If you’re experiencing anything like what we are in Minnesota, you know that winter is being especially brutal. It’s becoming a chore to stay warm this winter–and that goes for your pet too.
Remember your cat or dog can get frostbite and hypothermia too. This is not the time to leave them outside because you have a house full of guests. Kennel them, put them in the basement, anything but leave them out in the cold.
When your pet’s core body temperature lowers, it fights to warm itself in a fight for survival. Hypothermia can kill.
Unfortunately, that coat of fur does not protect a pet totally. Ears and toes, as in people, are vulnerable as are your pet’s pads. Frostbite is the death of tissue from prolonged cold exposure. It is serious and it is painful.
What to do if you suspect either conditon? Pets911 has a nice write up on symptoms and treatment for frostbite and hypothermia. I would add that because of the pain involved, you may want to first muzzle your pet. If you don’t have a muzzle handy, a belt or length of rope can work. Place the rope over the top of the muzzle, criss cross underneath the snout, and tie around the neck, below the ears.
If you don’t have the numbers handy, find the number of your local emergency vet clinic. Put it in a prominent place.
Enjoy this holiday season and stay warm–your pet too! Photo by laszlo-photo
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