Whether you are using Poor Richard’s Almanac, your local weatherman or some huge rodent in Pennsylvania to gage the weather, you should be advised that winter is still very much here. In fact, spring does not begin, officially, until March 20th this year. An occasional warm day, here or there, should not negate the fact that there are still many, many more chilly days and especially nights ahead of us. So, don’t relax just yet. And, above all, don’t forget to protect those that can’t protect themselves.
Just maybe you’re not jumping the gun and changing out your winter clothes for your spring clothes, but a mid-60s day does get the mind wandering. Remember that our fury, four-legged friends are counting on us to remember them and their continued needs. If your dog is an “outdoor” dog, those cold nights are more of a concern for them than a warmer than average day.
- Visit the Vet. Cold weather can worsen some conditions, like arthritis (Yes, dogs get arthritis!) Winter is as good a time as any, to have their yearly exam to make sure their prepared for what’s to come.
- Know Their Limits. Not every dog handles cold weather the same. Pay attention and adjust their routine, accordingly. Their coats, body fat and age all play a factor in cold weather tolerance. Consider shortening walks and investing in booties that help on ice and snow.
- Safe Shelter. Their shelter should be warm and be able to stay dry. Cold is bad but dampness is worse. Their fur—built-in insulator—can’t do its job if it’s wet. If bringing Fido indoors is not an option, make sure he can stay warm and dry in his home or an alternative.
- Feed Normally. A fat dog, does not necessarily mean a happier, warmer dog. Some pet owners overfeed to allow for the pet to have extra weight/protection in winter months. Extra weight, just like with people, can mean exacerbation of any current medical conditions and the onset of new ones. If you follow the other advice to keep them warm, weight won’t need to increase to protect them.
- Make Noise. Your car can be a warmer place for your pet or any animal to hide, than the usual. Starting and then moving your car can mean danger for your dog or a feral cat that was just looking for a warm place to hide. Tap the horn a couple times to scare awake and off any snoozing animals. Keep It Clean. Antifreeze, even in small amounts, can attract and be fatal to pets. Also, especially for dogs whom are given temporary shelter in the garage or laundry, keep any kind of chemical out of reach or curious pets exploring their new surroundings.
A responsible pet owner probably doesn’t need any of these reminders. The care of your pet is as integral a part of your day as taking care of yourself. Just in case, it’s always a good idea to refresh one’s memory for that four-legged family member that’s counting on you to keep them warm like they warm your hearts!
