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Puppy, It's Cold Outside
Is Your Pet Ready for Winter Weather?
By Alex Powell
OK, so they do wear fur coats. However, says Dr. Linda Peck, director of the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Findlay in Ohio, animals are as subject to frostbite and the chills of winter as we are. You've already winterized your home and vehicle – now it's time to prepare your pet for the cold days ahead.
"The main thing is to use common sense," says Dr. Douglas Brum, director of the Wellness Program at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. Your dog's age, body type, general health and acclimation to the environment all play a part in how she'll handle cold weather. The same goes for cats, although as Dr. Brum points out, it's usually best for cats to be indoors year-round.
When your dog goes outside, it's important to follow his cues. "Watch your dog," Dr. Peck says. "If he starts to shiver, remember that animals have the same reactions to cold as we do, and shivering is an instinctive reaction that uses muscle contraction in an attempt to build up heat. If you see your dog shivering, it's time to bring him back in."
And don't forget about a cold weather option humans have enjoyed for millennia – clothes. Those little doggie sweaters and coats really do keep easily chilled pets warm, Dr. Brum says. Dog booties may protect some dogs' sensitive paws. We tend to think of canine apparel as best suited for toy breeds, but dogs of any size may lack thick enough coats to keep comfortable outside, especially if they spend most of their time indoors. A sweater or coat can greatly increase your dog's wintertime comfort.
