CULLMAN, Ala. – Summer feels like it was gone in the blink of an eye and Cullman locals woke up this week to frigid temps and frosty air. Residents are breaking out heavy coats and winter shoes, swapping tank tops for hoodies and Crocs for Uggs. The sun is setting earlier and temperatures are plummeting at night. While individuals often prepare themselves, their families and their homes for the cold, sometimes pets may be overlooked. Yes, even indoor pets may need a little extra help during the colder winter months.
Dr. Melody Sharp, a veterinarian at Stewart Animal Clinic, said, “Arthritic pets may have a harder time in the cold weather and be more painful. Slick surfaces can also make it more difficult for them to be able to grip and (they) risk injuring themselves further. Many endocrine diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s, hypothyroidism and kidney disease can also make it extremely hard for pets to regulate their internal temperatures.”
Hyper puppies and older good boys may appreciate a rug or a blanket lining stairs that may ice during freezing temperatures, helping them avoid slips and falls. An older pet with arthritis or joint pain may need more help navigating stairs or steps; just as with humans, cold temperatures can agitate joint issues. For indoor pets that may have an underlying illness, limiting outdoor time for walks and play is advisable. Sweaters, boots or other protective gear can be used to protect furry pals from the freezing elements.
“If at all possible, keeping pets indoors is always the safest option,” said Sharp. “If inside is not an option, offering multiple shelter types outside with cover from the wind or moving them into a sheltered area like a garage or shed (is advised), being careful of my potential toxins that may be stored there as well.”
Outdoor pets should always have access to clean, unfrozen water. Boots, sweaters and coats for outdoor animals are also an adorable way to protect those furry friends and keep them warm during a sudden or lengthy freeze. Every animal should have a bed, which should be made of thick, dry bedding such as blankets, sheets, towels or pet beds, and if at all possible should be raised off of the ground to minimize heat loss. Hypothermia is a risk for any animal spending significant time outdoors in the winter, and if not treated quickly can create problems with an animal’s heart and cause cardiac arrest.
Checking for animals underneath and around cars before driving is something Sharp encourages everyone to do. “It’s also important to make noise before getting into and starting any vehicle as this is a common place our feline friends will find warmth,” she said. “Creating noise before starting can allow them time to escape and negate the risk of injury from the vehicle.”
It is always a good idea to have animals seen annually by a veterinarian, no matter the season. Pet owners who suspect an animal may have hypothermia should contact a veterinarian immediately.
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