Protecting Your Pets In Winter Weather: Advice From The WVHS

Eventually snow and icy conditions should return with more seasonal conditions after a mild start to winter in North Central Washington.  Those living at higher elevations are already getting a taste of winter, but not what is typical for late December.

Still, responsible pet owners should be prepared for more winter-like conditions at some point.

That is why the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society (WVHS) is sharing a few seasonal pet safety tips for the remainder of the winter months that lie ahead.

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Plan Ahead for Emergencies

Just as you stay aware of how the weather forecasts could impact your household in the event of power outages and prolonged cold snaps, include your pet's needs in your considerations.  That might include stocking up on additional food, water, and any medicine your pet needs.  If the power goes out, extra blankets and pet jackets or sweaters will keep your pet comfortable. Remember, the colder weather will require your pet to expend more energy to stay warm, so they will need some additional calories in colder weather.

Watch Those Paws

The snowy, icy sidewalks or just romping through the snow can dry out your dog's paws.  Some people use paw boots if their dog will tolerate them.  Paw wax is a specially formulated product that you can apply to your dog's paws that can soothe the drying effects of frozen sidewalks and prevent cracking in their pads.  Allowing your dog's coat to get a little heavier will help insulate them somewhat, especially if the breed is not double-coated. Consider a jacket or sweater as well.  Now if you have a Husky or another breed that loves the winter weather, enjoy the climate, but remember that even sled dogs on the Iditarod wear snow boots.

Leashes for safe walks

The Wenatchee Humane Society reminds us that many pets are lost during winter.  Waterways that appear frozen, like ponds, lakes, and streams, present dangers that can lead to hypothermia if a pet falls through the ice.  A dog was rescued from an icy swimming pool of an unoccupied pool in Wenatchee by Wenatchee Animal Control officers after an alert neighbor spotted the dog in distress.

Is Your Dog Handling the Cold?

Your pet may not be able to tolerate very much time outdoors, especially if it is one of the toy breeds.  Try to gauge their comfort level and plan accordingly.

Outdoor accommodations

Outdoor shelters should be insulated and free from drafts.  Make sure there is enough room for the dog to move around, and try to clothe them in a winter coat.  Bedding material like straw will insulate them from the floor of the shelter as they lie down.  Try to orient the entrance away from the prevailing wind direction that will carry snow into the shelter.  Don't forget to provide an outdoor-approved heat source and a heated water source

Be Careful with Antifreeze

When handling antifreeze anytime during vehicle maintenance, be careful not to spill any of the potentially dangerous liquid.  The chemicals have a sweet taste and can be attractive but sometimes fatal to pets, so take precautions not to spill and to keep these and other chemicals away from pets.