MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – With temperatures to stay below freezing for the foreseeable future, pet owners should consider their pets’ well-being while outdoors. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this winter.
Dogs love to play in the snow, however, for most canines, their fur coat is no match for a UP winter. According to Dr. Sheri Shevy, paying attention to the temperature, and limiting your dog’s time in the elements is essential.
“The current wisdom is that around 40, 45, degrees and below, they’re going to start getting uncomfortable,” said Shevy.
If it’s below freezing, it’s important to know your animal and look for behavior that’s out of the ordinary.
“If they’re getting listless, if they are shivering and then just kind of lying down, this is unusual behavior for them. They’re starting to really pick up their feet a lot, and like they can’t get comfortable on their feet, then that’s something to pay attention to.
Shevy says to make sure your dog’s paws are free of ice and road salt.
“Getting the salt off their feet, getting those ice balls off of there, checking their feet on the ice as we’re having an icier winter, warned Shevy.
Animals expend more energy when they are cold, so make sure they are well-fed.
“It takes extra energy to keep your temperature up. So you know you can’t feed them the same in the summer and the winter,” said Dr. Shevy.
One risk that applies to humans, as well as pets, is frozen waterways.
“Be careful near ponds and rivers, keep your dog on a leash because there are many dogs and humans that die falling through the ice,” explained Dr. Shevy.
And so, winter can be a fun time for our pets, remember, that if you feel cold, chances are your pet is feeling it as well.
