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Concern for Pets Rises as Temperatures Fall
Even the thickest winter coat isn't enough to help dogs and cats survive in frigid weather — but local vets say there are several things people can do to keep their pets safe and warm when the temperature plummets.
Dr. Elaine Lutz of Piedmont Pets Veterinary Care in Warrenton said the best thing owners can do is bring their outdoor pets inside. She suggested keeping a crate for the animals to use in the house. Even letting them stay in the basement is better than leaving them outside where they are exposed to the elements, she added.
But for many pet owners in a rural area like Fauquier County, bringing their animals indoors simply isn't an option.
“If you have animals that are used to being outside, they need someplace to go to get out of the cold and wind,” said Dr. Ebalinna Vaughn of Best Friends Animal Clinic in Marshall.
The Washington Humane Society recommends owners of outdoor dogs provide them with dry, draft-free dog houses. The structures should be large enough to allow the animals to sit down or lie down comfortably, but small enough to help the dogs retain body heat.
Ideally, the floor should be raised a few feet off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The shelter should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.
Pet stores carry different types of heating devices for outdoor dog houses, but Lutz said not to get electric heating pads, since they can be dangerous if they get wet. She also warned dog owners not to get heat lamps, which can be a fire hazard.
In addition to protecting dogs and cats from harsh conditions, making sure they have enough food and water is also essential, according to the experts.
“Primarily if you've got outdoor cats, make sure you put dry food out for supplementary purposes,” Vaughn said. “Outdoor dogs and cats must have a source of water — they can become dehydrated if their water freezes.”
People should check water bowls often to make sure the water isn't frozen. They should also use plastic food and water bowls for their pets rather than metal ones, according to the Washington Humane Society. That way there is less risk of a dog or cat's tongue sticking to the bowl in the cold.
Additional precautions include limiting walks and other outdoor activities in the cold. Owners should dress smaller or short-haired dogs in sweaters when they do go outdoors.
Warm car engines are dangerous for outdoor cats and small wildlife, according to the humane society. Parked cars attract small animals that may crawl up under the hood for warmth. To keep from injuring them, the organization recommends banging on the hood to scare them away before starting the engine.
“Make sure you properly discard anti-freeze since animals can drink it or walk through it, then lick themselves,” Vaughn said. The substance, which often has a sweet taste, is deadly when consumed by the animals.
Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can also be harmful to dogs and cats. Because it can irritate their paw pads, the humane society suggests owners wipe their dog or cat's feet with a damp towel every time they come inside — even if they don't see salt on walkways.
People who own dogs — or even livestock — need to be wary of frozen ponds. Dogs and larger animals sometimes venture onto the ice and wind up falling through, said Dr. Christopher Bailey of the New Baltimore Animal Hospital.
If an animal appears to be suffering from hypothermia after prolonged exposure to the cold or a fall into icy water, Bailey said the best thing to do is to raise its body temperature gradually by giving it a bath in tepid water. It is important not to use hot water, he added.
The symptoms of hypothermia include continuous shivering. Animals can also appear to be weak and wobbly or they may be unable to move, Bailey explained.
Although she hasn't seen any cases in a few years, Lutz said animals can also get frost bite.
“I've seen some cases where animals have had frostbite on the ends of their ears, but we really don't see any with pneumonia or anything like that,” she said.
Hilleary Bogley, an humane investigator for Fauquier County, said there haven't been any recent cases in which dogs have died due to cold weather. But that doesn't mean it can't happen, she said.
“There are dogs that will freeze in the type of weather [we're supposed to be getting],” Bogley said last week.
Consequently, Bogley, who is also the founder and president of Middleburg Humane Foundation, urged people to call her if they see dogs outside without adequate shelter.
“Assistance is available through our Chained Dog program,” Bogley said. “We can provide extra dog food and straw [to use as insulation for dog houses].”
The Middleburg Humane Foundation can be reached at (540) 364-3272.
Maj. Paul Mercer of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office is in charge of the agency's Animal Control division. He said citizens with concerns about an animal's welfare can report them by calling 9-1-1, or by calling the agency's non-emergency number at (540) 347-3300.
E-mail the reporter: abogdanovic@timespapers.com
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