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During these winter months, the seasons change and so do our pets’ needs.
The onslaught of cold weather can be hard on pets, just like it is for people.
Sometimes pet owners forget that their animals are just as accustomed to the
warm shelter of the indoors as they are. Some owners will leave their pets
outside for extended periods of time, thinking that all animals are adapted
to living outdoors. This can put their pets in danger of serious illness.
Here are a few things you can do to keep your animals warm and safe.
Keep your pets inside as much as you can when the mercury drops.
When you have to take them out, stay outside with them. When you are cold
enough to go back inside, they probably are too. If you absolutely must
leave your pets outside for a significant length of time, make sure they
have a warm, solid shelter against the wind, thick bedding, and plenty of
non-frozen water. Some animals can remain outside safely in the winter,
longer than others. Long-haired breeds like Huskies will do better in
cold weather than short-haired breeds like Dachshunds. Cats and small
dogs will also feel the cold sooner than larger animals. These more
vulnerable breeds should be supplemented with a coat or a sweater.
Although this apparel may help, you can’t depend on it entirely to
keep your pets warm. Dogs, cats and rabbits will lose most of their
body heat from the pads of their feet, their ears, and their respiratory tract.
Your pets’ health will also affect how long they can stay out. Conditions
like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can
compromise a pet’s ability to regulate their own body heat. Animals that
are not generally in good health shouldn’t be exposed to winter weather
for a long period of time. Very young and very old animals are also more
vulnerable to the cold. When you are outside with your pets during the
winter, watch them for signs of discomfort. If they whine, shiver, seem
anxious, slow down or stop moving, or start to look for warm places to
burrow, they’re saying they want to get back to someplace warm.
Regardless of their health,
no pets should stay outside
for unlimited amounts of
time in temperatures
below 40 degrees.
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