Chicagoans hunkering down to endure another bout of below-freezing temperatures should remember that even though their pets are covered in fur, animals need help staying safe in frigid weather.
Even as humans struggle to protect their toes and fingers from frostbite and their skin from getting windburn, pets can be in danger of injury from the cold and even the chemicals used to keep sidewalks clear in snowy or icy weather.
Here are some cold-weather safety tips for pet owners:
Cold weather disorients outdoor pets
More pets become lost in winter than in any other season because snow can disguise recognizable scents that otherwise would allow pets to find their way back home, said Natalia Derevyanny, spokeswoman for Cook County Animal and Rabies Control.
“Prevent your pets from becoming lost by keeping dogs leashed on walks and, just in case you are separated from your pets, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information and they are microchipped,” Derevyanny suggested in a news release.
Honk for animal safety
It’s common for feral cats and wild animals to seek out warmth wherever they can, such as under a car hood, according to Derevyanny and John Howe, a veterinarian and president of the Schaumburg-based American Veterinary Medical Association.
“Always check underneath the car,” Howe said. “Cats like to curl up next to a warm engine, and it’s easy enough to get caught in the fan belt.”
Derevyanny suggested a quick honk to provide any hidden animals “a wake-up call,” alerting them it’s time to seek shelter elsewhere.
Salt clears your sidewalk but can hurt your dog
Salt is widely used in cold climates to provide traction and melt ice off sidewalks and roads. But it can be particularly damaging to the pads on the bottom of cat and dog paws, experts say. Putting booties on your dog prior to taking it for a walk can help, but not all dogs tolerate them.
“The problem with booties is you have to get your dog used to them. As with any other behavior you want your pet to learn, the trick is to reward good behavior,” Howe said.
Katie Pape, owner of Windy City Paws, a Chicago dog-walking service, said about half of her clients use some type of paw protecter.
“I think a lot of people try one type of bootie and their dog can’t walk in it properly and so they give up,” she said. “Also, starting early is good. So if you’ve just adopted a dog, start right away to help get them used to it.”
For dogs that resist booties, she recommends using Mushers, a gel that also protects the pads.
Sharp objects also can become hidden in the snow, and booties will help prevent ice cuts. Pape said her walkers also discourage pets from eating snow because of what could be hidden in it.
For dogs walking without a paw protectant, Derevyanny suggests avoiding salt when possible and washing the dog’s paws with warm water when home.
Certain salts are fairly caustic, Howe said.
“And it’s important not to use certain chemical de-icers that aren’t pet-friendly,” he said.
Other common wintertime products can be fatal if ingested.
“Keep antifreeze bottles out of the reach of animals and clean up all antifreeze spills immediately,” Derevyanny said.
Your long-haired dog isn’t immune to the cold
Particularly dangerous is the notion that some breeds are immune to the cold, Howe said.
“There are dogs that are acclimated to the cold, such as huskies who work as sled dogs and stay outside all the time in 40 below or worse,” he said. “In Chicago, the wind chill is also a big factor. Just because (owners) have a long-haired, thick-coated breed doesn’t mean they can withstand the cold indefinitely.”
Winter gear isn’t limited to booties, Pape said.
“A lot of people think jackets are just for small dogs, but that’s really not true,” she said.
Howe said it’s best to provide your pet an environment in which they can control their temperature. Putting a dog bed by a roaring fire is a good way to help a dog warm up after time outside, but putting another dog bed in a slightly chillier room will allow the animal to signal the temperature it’s most comfortable with.
Animals are susceptible to frostbite if kept outside too long, Derevyanny said. In winter it’s a good idea to limit walks to the time needed for the animal to eliminate waste.
Even when time outside is limited, there are plenty of ways to play indoors, and mental stimulation is a great way to keep dogs engaged, Pape said. She recommends playing hide-and-seek with treats around the house or buying puzzles dogs can manipulate with their paws to reveal a treat.
Look for signs something is wrong with your pet
Keep a close eye on animals in winter to ensure they’re able to handle weather conditions, Howe said. An animal in distress might shiver just as a human would, or appear to have shallow breathing, he said.
“Or if they seem like they’re not really alert, you’d need to get that dog in to the veterinarian,” he said.
A typical temperature for a dog is 101 to 102 degrees, Howe said. He suggests purchasing an inexpensive digital thermometer and taking the dog’s temperature rectally.
“Then they’ll know there’s a problem if that body temp is 95, 96 degrees,” Howe said.
Laws about what an owner must provide a pet vary from town to town, but an outdoor doghouse may not be enough in extremely cold weather, Derevyanny said.
“All residents are urged to be alert to pets being left outside for extended periods and to call authorities if they see an animal that could be in danger,” she said in the release.
Slips, falls, and weight gain
Salt is used to melt ice, but some people use as sand or cat litter instead to provide traction on slippery surfaces. Although kitty litter or gravel still can irritate a dog’s paws, it’s also helpful to guard against spills.
“We see a lot of dog injuries where they slip and fall on the ice and they can have a dislocated hip,” Howe said.
Owners may want to check with a veterinarian if, after a fall on the ice, they notice their dog doesn’t want to put weight on one paw, or if it’s limping to avoid one paw in particular, he said.
“They can also rupture their ACL. That’s a common injury, especially with overweight dogs.”
It’s also easier for dogs to pack on the pounds in winter, he said.
“In the wintertime, a lot of people keep their dogs inside more. That should mean a slight change to their diet, because they’re not burning as many calories,” Howe said.
Be prepared for the unexpected
It’s also important for pet owners to take extra precautions in winter because it’s dark more of the time, Derevyanny said.
When out for a walk, people should wear reflective gear or use reflective leashes or collars for their pets, Derevyanny suggested. It’s also important to keep your dog close, especially if walking on the street, she said.
She also said it’s important to plan ahead, especially when a winter storm is looming. Remember furry family members when preparing for power outages and significant weather emergencies.
“Have an emergency kit with enough food, water and medication to last your pets at least five days,” she said. “You may never need it, but if you do, you will be thankful you planned.”
kdouglas@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @312BreakingNews
