Winter Pet Care Tips - An Ongoing Series from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM

This is the sixth installment of Pet Tips from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM.

Housing:
It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated. Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm. Feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor.

Roaming cats:
Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.

Frostbite and snow removal salt:
Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care. Frost bite usually occurs on the extremities; such as the ears, tail and toes but using fleece or other body coverings will decrease possible frost bite on other parts of the body. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably. We recommend to cover feet with rubber boots or other foot covers to keep off salt and snow while walking outdoors. If your pet will not tolerate foot covers, then vigorously washing off the snow and salt with tepid water will prevent irritation to the pads, hair and skin of the feet.

Dr. Sanford is a Veterinarian and Owner/Founder of Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital in the Mill District.   He can be contacted at 612-746-0300 or mplsvet@live.com.