Carolyn L. Cheney
Board of Directors
We winterize our homes. We winterize our cars, and we humans get out our warmer clothes – especially coats, hats and boots. Therefore, it is important we winterize our dogs. Petswebmd.com offers some practical ideas on keeping our pets warm and healthy during the winter months. When the temperature is above freezing, many dogs, especially ones with long fur, are quite comfortable outside. Short-haired dogs will not be. A dog’s nose, toes and ears are very vulnerable to cold weather. It is important to keep in mind that when a dog’s coat gets wet, it loses much of its insulating ability. If dogs are outside a lot they need a draft-free shelter, plenty of food and unfrozen water. If it is too cold for us, then it is too cold for our four-legged friends.
When walking dogs, coats work well and booties are important for their feet, if they will tolerate them. Since it gets dark early in the day, a reflective collar on your dog is a great safety item. Also, watch for antifreeze spills or leaks from cars. Just a small amount can make an animal very sick. If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, get your dog to the vet immediately. Winter holidays are fun for all, but it is important to keep dogs away from chocolate, plants, holly berries and leaves and tinsel which can be extremely toxic.
Sometimes when it is extremely stormy and cold, dogs hesitate to take potty breaks. Who can blame them? Make sure his usual spot is shoveled out, and he can get to it easily from the house. Keep a watchful eye as you don’t want him wandering off in a snow storm.
When dogs are exposed to extreme cold temperatures too long their body temperatures, which are usually between 101F and 102.5, can drop quickly. Hypothermia symptoms include: violent shivering followed by listlessness, weak pulse, lethargy, muscle stiffness, problems breathing, lack of appetite, rectal temperature below 98F, coma and cardiac arrest. It is important to get your pet into a warm room wrapped in warm blankets. The blankets can be warmed in a few minutes in the dryer. Try to get him to drink four teaspoons of honey or sugar in some warm water, or if he can’t drink, put some corn syrup on his gums. This will provide an instant energy boost. Call your vet immediately. Ideas can be found at pets.webmd.com which offers many helpful ways to care for your animals during the winter months.
Of course not all folks will agree with my way of taking care of my dog during the winter months or actually year-round. My Henry prefers our recliners during the day and our bed at night. He has no use for cold weather and particularly snow. His potty breaks are very fast.
Please visit us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society located at 26 Cross St. We have way too many cats and kittens now and even though they receive lots of care and love while in our shelter, they want a permanent loving home. We are still offering the special of one cat for $20 or two for $30. If the animal has not been spayed or neutered, it will be necessary to leave a $100 fee which will be returned once there is proof of the altering.
