Keep pets safe this winter

JACKSON, Wyo. — Wyoming winters can pose all sorts of challenges, including protecting pets from hazards like freezing temperatures.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), both cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia despite their fur. While the AVMA recommends pets generally should be kept inside during below-freezing temperatures, longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; however, no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.

Below are more tips from the AVMA to keep pets active and safe this season:

Check the car

Particularly for outdoor cats, the AVMA suggests making noise and looking under cars that are warming up before driving away, since cats can find comfort in the heat coming off of the vehicle.

Paw patrol

According to the AVMA, clipping hair between dogs’ toes on their paws and applying paw wax like Musher’s Secret can help reduce ice and snow buildup and prevent cracking or bleeding.

Dress up

The AVMA suggests if dogs have a short coat or seem bothered by the cold weather, owners should consider a sweater or dog coat. Having several on hand is helpful so there’s always a dry option each time a dog goes outside. The AVMA says wet sweaters or coats can actually make dogs colder.

Some pet owners also use booties to protect their dog’s feet, but making sure they fit properly is the key to allowing dogs, and cats, to walk comfortably.

Anti-anti-freeze

During walks, dog paws, legs and bellies may pick up de-icing products, antifreeze or other chemicals that could be toxic, the AMVA warns. Wiping down (or washing) pets to remove these chemicals is critical to reducing the risk that a dog will be poisoned after licking them off.

Pet owners can also consider using pet-safe de-icers on their property to protect pets.

Collars and chips

The AVMA confirms snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that normally help pets find their way to and from their home. Making sure pets have collars with addresses and phone numbers and microchips that are up to date can help streamline finding them if they become lost.

Not so (n)ice

When walking pets, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. It’s sometimes impossible to tell if the ice will support a dog’s weight.

Gimme shelter

While the AMVA doesn’t recommend keeping any pet outside for long periods of time in the winter, those unable to keep a dog inside during cold weather should provide their pet with a warm, solid shelter against wind and unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water. The AMVA says this can be maintained by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl.

The floor of the shelter should be off of the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) and the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment. The door to the shelter should be positioned away from prevailing winds. Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire. Heated pet mats should also be used with caution because they are still capable of causing burns.

Recognize the signs

If a pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak or starts looking for warm places to burrow, take notice and warm them inside. The AMVA says frostbite is harder to detect in animals and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done.

If owners suspect a pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult a veterinarian immediately.

In case of emergency

When preparing a disaster/emergency kit for blizzards and power outages, include pets in those plans. Have enough food, water and medicine, including any prescription medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives, on hand to get through at least five days, the AMVA recommends.

Getting outside

In winter, there are also trail restrictions and leash laws in place for dogs. According to Jackson Hole Nordic, the best winter trails for people with pets include: