K-State vet warns pet owners to prepare for extreme cold

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – A Kansas State University veterinarian has warned pet owners to prepare to keep their pets indoors ahead of extreme cold forecasts.

Kansas State University said on Tuesday, December 12. 20, that the winter solstice begins this week, along with a weather forecast that includes snow and dangerous wind chills – which means winter has officially arrived in the Sunflower State. A school vet said now was the time to bring pets inside.

“It’s time to consider bringing your cat or dog inside to warm up,” said Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Very young or old pets, and those not acclimatized to colder weather, should be brought in during colder temperatures.”

Nelson said dogs with thick coats can get too hot in the house, so keeping them in a slightly cooler room or in the garage might keep them from feeling uncomfortable. Short stays indoors before a long cold spell can also allow pets to get used to indoor temperatures.

If pets get nervous or panic inside, Nelson said a carrier or crate could make the transition easier. Owners should talk to their veterinarian about calming medications if a pet’s anxiety is severe.

Nelson also said pets should have easy access to food and water bowls and know where they are. If pets aren’t domestic, she recommends keeping them on floors that are easy to clean.

However, Nelson warned that homes have their own environmental threats to pets that differ from those found outdoors. She said houseplants like lilies, dieffenbachia and philodendron can be toxic to pets.

“Before bringing pets inside, take inventory of the plants you have and find out if they are poisonous, then move them to an inaccessible location,” she urged.

Nelson also listed other common items found around the house that can be harmful to our furry friends:

• Chocolate
• Raisins
• Onions
• electrical cords
• Candles
• pot pourri

With proper care and preparation, Nelson said pets can be comfortable outdoors in cold weather.

“Outdoor shelters should not be too large in order to avoid heat loss into dead space,” Nelson said. “The door should face south or west to reduce gusts of wind. Use clean straw or hay for bedding, as blankets tend to be trampled on easily and lose their insulating effect. If your pet allows it, hanging a blanket over the door or using a pet flap will keep the wind out.

Nelson also noted that cats also benefit from a cozy box in a sheltered area. She said straw or hay litter works equally well for felines.

“Outdoor water bowls should be checked at least twice a day for ice, and more often in particularly freezing weather as we will experience this week, to avoid dehydration,” Nelson said. “A heated bowl of water is a better option.”

The vet advised that some pets that live outdoors may need an increase in food in cold weather to help boost their body heat.

Nelson warned that a pet’s age can also make it more susceptible to cold. She said young and old pets are more prone to hypothermia and need to be kept in a warm environment.

“Animals with osteoarthritis should be treated with extra care,” Nelson added. Keep them indoors in a warm, well-padded place. You can talk to your veterinarian about pain medication options and therapeutic diets that can help relieve arthritic joint pain.

According to Nelson, other winter safety tips for pets include:

• Well-fitting cotton, fleece or natural sweaters for short-haired dogs without decorations can be easily inserted.
• Honk your horn on vehicles or bang on the hood before starting the engine to scare away cats trying to get warm.
• Rinse an animal’s feet if it has walked on treated surfaces and do not let it lick it off. Consider booties to avoid the dangerous treat and scoops of ice cream out of their paws.
• Clean up any antifreeze spills from vehicles immediately and thoroughly as the mixture is lethal to dogs and cats.

Nelson also warned that frostbite can affect the ears, feet and noses of pets as well as humans. To avoid frostbite, she said not to leave pets outside in the extreme cold for long periods. She said chances are if you’re too cold, it’s probably too cold for your pet, too.

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