Pets and The Military
Baby, It’s (Getting) Cold Outside!!!!Winter is around the corner; in some areas of the country it has already come on strong!!! With the colder temperatures, here are few reminders about issues to keep in mind for your furry family members! Let’s state the obvious… it is COLD!!!!! Some breeds are well adapted to the colder weather, but many are not as winter proof as a husky! Dogs with short coats and smaller dogs may be especially sensitive to the cold. Dampness can be penetrating as well, causing discomfort. If you are taking little Fido out into the cold for any length of time, consider a doggie coat or blanket to keep them warm. Wind chills can be low enough to go right through a fairly think coat of fur, so in extreme conditions, provide your pet with extra protection. DO NOT allow your dog outside for long periods of time without adequate protection and shelter. Water will freeze, depleting their drinking supply quickly. Same considerations apply for cats – even cats that are accustomed to being outdoors can develop medical issues due to exposure in winter months. Consider a kitty door or provide sung outdoor houses. There are thermal pads – non-electric – available from pet supply stores and vendors that capture and hold body heat, producing a warm, cuddly environment. These are great indoors as well. Horses should be provided with appropriate shelter and turnout blankets/sheets. Their water supply should be carefully monitored to ensure it does not freeze. Heated buckets are available at your local tack/supply shops. Feed may need to be increased as keeping warm requires calories. All animals should be examined daily for any signs of distress and any outdoor shelters checked for security and damage. Paws can be damaged by ice and snow. Many pets will adapt to boots of some sort. If your animal cannot become accustomed to boots (some really don’t like them!) be sure to carefully examine their paws each time they return from outside. A damp paw that subsequently walks over ice can be torn/injured. Exercise in the winter is still vital to a pets’ health. If you live in an extremely harsh winter climate, consider taking Fido to some sort of indoor class – agility, flyball, obedience (hey a refresher course never hurts!!). Many areas of the country now provide indoor heated swimming pools for canine fun! Playing outdoors even in snow on a sunny day is lots of fun. – my Sadie lives for those days and Bristol enjoys eating the heads off small to medium sized snowmen - but keep in mind that icy surfaces are as hazardous to four legs as they are to two! Horses especially need extra care against icy conditions as a slip or fall can be disastrous. Frostbite is possible with prolonged exposure to extreme cold as well. Most importantly, keep an eye on your pets’ overall health and demeanor. If you suspect an illness – due to a respiratory problem/exposure, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Older animals tend to suffer more in winter, with chronic problems such as arthritis flaring more often. Your vet can provide pain and inflammation control and relief as needed. They can also provide much more information on protecting your pet during these colder seasons. Enjoy the upcoming seasons! Happy Holidays to you all!! | 
