Knowing Their Limits
Cold weather is a given part of living in Alaska, but some winters can present more and new challenges than others. With this particularly cold and snowy winter, it's helpful to know what you can do to keep your pets safe and comfortable.
The ability to which your pet can enjoy the snow with you often varies based on their breed and age. Many dog breeds are predisposed to life in colder climates, such as huskies, Newfoundlands, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. These dogs may want to frolic and play long after you've reached your limit and head inside. While it is good to give them time to enjoy the cold, it's important to keep in mind that all animals are still susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia: no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.
Shorthaired dogs are more prone to cold, as are small breeds, since their bodies are closer to the ground. Animals with arthritis tend to have a harder time moving around in cold weather, as do elderly pets. They are more prone to slipping and falling on ice, so booties that provide some grip can help them on outdoor excursions to keep their footing and prevent injury. Some conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease, can prevent pets from properly regulating their body temperature.
Cats in the Cold
While it is always safer for cats to be indoor pets to avoid accidents with cars and wildlife, pet cats fare better as indoor pets during the winter. Felines left outdoors in winter will often seek warm places to hide. This can commonly be beneath recently-running cars or in cooling engine compartments. If drivers don't notice the cat before starting their car and going about their business, it can cause lethal injury to the pet. If you live in an area with feral cats, honking your horn or hitting the hood of your car can spook off any feline basking in the heat.
Cats who are indoor/outdoor cats and come and go as they please may be more prone to getting lost in winter: snow cover can hide scents that your cat uses to orient themselves and find the way home. Without the familiar scents and landmarks, they may end up further from home and unable to find their way. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, keeping up-to-date identification on your cat, and having them microchipped can help them get home to you faster. If your cat (or dog!) has a microchip that is not on file with Animal Control and Protection, you can add that information to your account by calling them at (907)789-6997 during business hours.
Keep Clean
Lots of antifreeze and ice melt products build up on roads and walkways during the winter months. Chemical products will be picked up on your pets' paws, legs, and belly when walking outside. After bringing them inside, wipe them down with a damp cloth, or give them a quick bath to keep them from licking their fur and ingesting the chemicals.
Many dogs with long or curly hair will collect snow and ice as they run around outside; these clumps in their fur can be painful, pulling on the skin and creating cold patches. To clean your dog of snow and ice after adventures outdoors, use a balloon whisk to gently shake off the clumps, detaching them from their fur.
If your dog doesn't regularly wear booties, be sure to monitor their paws after time spent outdoors. The cold can dull sensations of pain that would otherwise prevent injury on hazardous surfaces, and snow and ice can buildup between toe pads, creating painful pressure. Salt and ice melt can dry out paws, in addition to lower humidity levels on colder days, so paw pads are more likely to crack in winter. Wipe off paws and ensure they're free from snow and ice buildup after coming inside, and use a pet-safe paw balm to keep paw pads hydrated, if your dog doesn't wear boots outdoors.
Find more cold-weather safety and tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association HERE
Cold weather is a given part of living in Alaska, but some winters can present more and new challenges than others. With this particularly cold and snowy winter, it's helpful to know what you can do to keep your pets safe and comfortable.
The ability to which your pet can enjoy the snow with you often varies based on their breed and age. Many dog breeds are predisposed to life in colder climates, such as huskies, Newfoundlands, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. These dogs may want to frolic and play long after you've reached your limit and head inside. While it is good to give them time to enjoy the cold, it's important to keep in mind that all animals are still susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia: no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.
Shorthaired dogs are more prone to cold, as are small breeds, since their bodies are closer to the ground. Animals with arthritis tend to have a harder time moving around in cold weather, as do elderly pets. They are more prone to slipping and falling on ice, so booties that provide some grip can help them on outdoor excursions to keep their footing and prevent injury. Some conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease, can prevent pets from properly regulating their body temperature.
Cats in the Cold
While it is always safer for cats to be indoor pets to avoid accidents with cars and wildlife, pet cats fare better as indoor pets during the winter. Felines left outdoors in winter will often seek warm places to hide. This can commonly be beneath recently-running cars or in cooling engine compartments. If drivers don't notice the cat before starting their car and going about their business, it can cause lethal injury to the pet. If you live in an area with feral cats, honking your horn or hitting the hood of your car can spook off any feline basking in the heat.
Cats who are indoor/outdoor cats and come and go as they please may be more prone to getting lost in winter: snow cover can hide scents that your cat uses to orient themselves and find the way home. Without the familiar scents and landmarks, they may end up further from home and unable to find their way. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, keeping up-to-date identification on your cat, and having them microchipped can help them get home to you faster. If your cat (or dog!) has a microchip that is not on file with Animal Control and Protection, you can add that information to your account by calling them at (907)789-6997 during business hours.
Keep Clean
Lots of antifreeze and ice melt products build up on roads and walkways during the winter months. Chemical products will be picked up on your pets' paws, legs, and belly when walking outside. After bringing them inside, wipe them down with a damp cloth, or give them a quick bath to keep them from licking their fur and ingesting the chemicals.
Many dogs with long or curly hair will collect snow and ice as they run around outside; these clumps in their fur can be painful, pulling on the skin and creating cold patches. To clean your dog of snow and ice after adventures outdoors, use a balloon whisk to gently shake off the clumps, detaching them from their fur.
If your dog doesn't regularly wear booties, be sure to monitor their paws after time spent outdoors. The cold can dull sensations of pain that would otherwise prevent injury on hazardous surfaces, and snow and ice can buildup between toe pads, creating painful pressure. Salt and ice melt can dry out paws, in addition to lower humidity levels on colder days, so paw pads are more likely to crack in winter. Wipe off paws and ensure they're free from snow and ice buildup after coming inside, and use a pet-safe paw balm to keep paw pads hydrated, if your dog doesn't wear boots outdoors.
Find more cold-weather safety and tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association HERE