Cold Weather Care 

Cold weather is tough on pets. The following tips will provide your pet with a better “quality of life” through the winter months.

• Update all vaccinations. Increased stress of cold weather lowers resistance to disease. Your pet needs more than just a Rabies vaccination. Dogs should be vaccinated against DHLPP, Parvovirus, and Bordetella each year. Cats should receive FVRCP, Rabies, and Feline Leukemia.

• Heartworm preventative should be given year-round. The medication kills certain immature stages of the heartworm during its travel through the body before it reaches the heart. The medication given all year will ensure that the immature heartworms will be killed when they reach the age of susceptibility to the medication.

• Internal parasite examinations insure your pet is “worm free”. Intestinal parasites drain your pet’s blood, protein, and energy. Worms are a burden!

• Feed high quality food to meet the increased nutritional needs during cold weather. You get what you pay for when it comes to food. “High protein” labels do not mean it is “digestible protein”. Pets kept outside should be fed more food to meet their needs through the winter. Fresh water should always be available. Be sure to provide unfrozen water at least twice daily during zero weather. Porcelain bowls should be used rather than metal bowls, to prevent tongues from sticking.

• Vitamin supplements may be indicated to increase your pet’s resistance to cold weather. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

• Frostbite is one of cold weather’s main hazards. Ears and other areas are susceptible. Call your veterinarian if you think your pet is suffering from this cold weather ailment.

• Brush your pet daily to maintain a healthy hair coat. A healthy coat affords more protection against cold weather.

• Provide adequate shelter. Adequate shelter from the elements is the key to a healthy outdoor pet. The pet that has a cozy refuge where he can seek shelter from the cold wind, driving rain, sleet, and snow will be better able to tolerate the cold temperatures. Pet shelters should be tightly constructed and no larger than three times the size of the pet. The doorway should be just big enough for the pet to enter and positioned away from the prevailing wind direction. Building the shelter off the ground a couple of inches and adding insulation underneath will greatly add to the pet’s comfort. Be sure all the insulation is sealed away from the pet. Position the shelter where it will get the most sunlight in the winter. Bedding may be straw, cedar shavings or anything that is insulative and will remain dry. No pet should be out in zero or sub-zero weather for more than a few minutes without adequate shelter. Winter is no time to begin keeping a pet outside. Acclimatization should begin in warm weather, permitting gradual increase in hair growth.



Other Suggestions for Cold Weather

• Antifreeze can be lethal! It is sweet tasting to your pet. Always clean up any spills in the garage or driveway. Contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY if you even suspect a few licks.

• As the weather turns cooler, cats like to sleep near a warm car engine, curling up on or under the hood. Make sure you always know the location of your cat. Honk your horn and tap the hood of your car to evacuate any cats that may be sleeping inside.

• Salt can hurt paws. Clean your pet’s footpads immediately when coming back inside. Do not use salt in areas your pet frequents. Alternative products are available for de-icing.