Pets are also vulnerable to cold weather
When biting cold snaps, pet owners wonder how to keep their animals safe and comfortable. And vets say it's reasonable to be concerned.
“The risks of extreme cold are similar to the risks of extreme heat,” said Dr. Deborah Mandell, director of emergency medicine at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Pets can develop hypothermia and frostbite, she said. They can also slip on ice or suffer cold-related paw injuries. Fortunately, pet owners can reduce the risks with a few simple precautions.
Limit time outdoors as much as possible.
The vets we spoke with were reluctant to give general statements about how long pets could safely be left outside in the cold. But if temperatures are at or below freezing, no more than 10 to 15 minutes is a good benchmark, said Dr. Mandell. “For most, going outside to use the bathroom and then coming back inside is a good rule, just like when it's too hot,” she said.
For a simple check, it can help to ask: Am I feeling uncomfortable right now? If so, your pet probably is too, says Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, associate professor at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Also take other weather conditions into account: lying in the sun for a few minutes on a cold but otherwise dry, calm day is different from being outside on a day when it is also snowing, wet or windy.
Know your pet's cold tolerance.
An animal's ability to comfortably withstand the cold is related to factors such as age, overall health and physical condition. “For example, look at a greyhound, which has no subcutaneous fat and very little hair,” said Dr. Ruch-Galli. “Those guys don't tolerate the cold as well as some double-coated breeds.”
The American Veterinary Medical Association also notes that pets with short legs can get cold more quickly than pets with long legs because their bodies are more likely to come into contact with the icy ground.
Very young and very old animals can have difficulty regulating body temperature, as can animals with underlying health problems. For example, an older pet with arthritis or inflammation may feel particularly uncomfortable in the cold, said Dr. Ruch-Gallie, although some find it soothing.
Know the signs that your pet is cold.
“If they're shivering, if they're less willing to walk, if they're lifting their feet as if they're uncomfortable, those are all signs we should look out for,” says Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, senior director of the medical department. programs and projects with Bond Vet in New York City. In particular, she urged dog owners to check their paws for ice or snowballs stuck between their toes when outside, and for cracks or bleeding once inside.
The good news? Mammals will generally let you know when they are uncomfortable in the cold, said Dr. Ruch-Gallie – but not always. “Where we run into trouble is with that dog who likes to go outside and play in the snow,” she said, and “suddenly they realize they can't feel their feet anymore.”
Indoor pets are generally OK during cold spells, the experts said, even if your home stays on the colder side. (Of course, animals with very specific temperature and humidity needs, such as reptiles, must keep a close eye on their environment.)
Your pet may be looking for warmth, but that isn't necessarily a red flag. “Even with my own two cats, I notice that they cuddle together more than in the warmer months,” said Dr. Fadl. Make sure your animal has a bed, blanket or even a 'hiding place', and consider the risk that space heaters pose. Animals can fall over them, she said, or burn themselves.
Practice prevention.
If your pet tolerates it, a sweater or jacket may be a good option on days when temperatures are below freezing or below freezing, the experts say. That includes booties, especially if your pet walks on surfaces sprinkled with salt or melted ice, which can damage paws and be dangerous if swallowed. If your pet can't tolerate booties, balms can also help protect the paw pads from cracking, said Dr. Fadl. No matter what, make sure to wipe your pet's paws when you get home, the vets said.
If your four-legged friend has a lot of fur between their toes, trimming them can help prevent ice balls from forming – but don't overdo the grooming in the colder months.
“Their coats are designed to keep temperatures regulated,” said Dr. Ruch-Galli. “You have the potential to really mess that up.”