This weekend a massive winter storm could affect roughly half of the American population, so people with pets should take precautions to keep them safe.
Page Mader, DVM, veterinarian and co-owner of Five Parks Animal Hospital in Arvada, Colorado, said there are important things we can do to protect pets from the projected snow, sleet, wind and freezing temperatures.
1. Minimize Outdoor Exposure
When temperatures drop below freezing (32° Fahrenheit), the risk of frostbite and hypothermia rises. So dogs should take shorter walks, particularly if they are senior, arthritic, short-haired or tiny, according to Dr. Mader.
“Huskies aren’t going to blink an eye. They have a great coat for being outside,” she said. “But a German shorthaired pointer, not so much.”
Avoid walking after the sun sets and temperatures drop, and pay attention to your dog’s body language. For instance, if they shiver or hold up a paw, it’s time to head home. But also keep in mind that some dogs won’t show signs of being too cold, she noted.
“Some dogs are just going to love being outside, like the same scenario of some dogs that are never going to quit playing regardless of how tired they are,” she said. “So be the voice of reason and make sure that you’re being mindful about your dog’s time spent outside, even if they’re not showing obvious signs of discomfort.”
In fact, depending on temperatures, people with small dogs might want to let them use pee pads indoors instead of venturing outside, Dr. Mader said. Alternately, people with yards can lay down cardboard or plywood before it starts snowing. When the dog needs to go out, you can pull it up to create a snow-free patch where they can quickly go to the bathroom.
2. Consider Using Protective Gear
Booties can protect a dog’s paw pads from ice and sidewalk salt. Alternatively, protective balms can add protection from the elements, though not as well as booties, Dr. Mader noted.
Small dogs can try out their winter wardrobes, particularly jackets that cover their trunk and undercarriage. Dr. Mader is a fan of “recovery suits” that also cover their legs, almost like a “doggy onesie.”
On cold, windy days, pet goggles like Doggles can protect a pet’s eyes, she added.
3. Increase Indoor Enrichment Activities
To compensate for less time spent outside, increase the amount of time you play with your pets indoors. Cats love interactive play with feather toys, laser pointers or even a pesky shoelace.
Dogs can practice “come” or play hide and seek with family members holding kibble or treats, or enjoy mental stimulation with puzzle feeders. For instance, during the storm, Dr. Mader plans to surprise her Plott hound mix, Hobbs, with a frozen Kong toy filled with peanut butter.
4. Shelter Outdoor Pets
Ideally, outdoor pets should come inside during the winter storm, Dr. Mader emphasized.
“Bringing them inside is by far the best thing you can do for them,” she said. “But if they absolutely have to be outside, they have to have some form of shelter with a roof — especially if it’s really windy out, because that is just especially miserable.”
Dog houses should have a safe heat source and insulating straw. Heated bowls can keep water from freezing; pets must always have access to water since snow is not an alternative to water.
Dr. Mader noted that a ventilated garage can be a good temporary shelter in a pinch. Just be sure the antifreeze is out of reach (and there are no spills) since it is so toxic to dogs and cats.
5. Check Your Car For Sleeping Cats Before Starting The Engine
Outdoor cats will seek shelter next to a car engine for warmth, so before starting the car, check underneath it for cats, bang on the hood and honk the horn to try scare away the cat to avoid injury or death.
“You’ve got to be careful of that,” Dr. Mader said.
Ultimately, the weekend winter storm can provide one more reason to relax indoors by snuggling with your pets. Stay safe!