The extreme cold this week has been hard on animals and people alike, from the family dog to the leopard at Great Bend Zoo Brit Spaugh. We heard from zoo supervisor and animal curator Ashley Burdick as well as an animal expert from PetSmart with information on caring for animals in the cold.
zoo closed
Due to extreme cold weather and the Christmas holidays, Great Bend Zoo was closed on Thursday 21st December. 22, and will remain closed until Christmas Day. However, zoo keepers are there every day to look after the animals.
Cold Weather Precautions
“Whether it’s pets or zoo animals, if you can get them indoors, that’s the best option,” Burdick said. We brought everyone inside except the arctic foxes and bison. Both of these species have provided shelter and straw bedding that they can use if they wish.
“The foxes were in their kennels on Thursday, but they were napping outside this morning,” she said Friday. “For all the animals inside, we have heated buildings. We also provide straw bedding for animals that do not have raised beds or hammocks.
Frozen water is also a problem for animals.
“Since many standpipes are frozen, we have a bucket of water to drink and we’re not able to clean as well as we would when it’s warmer, but we get as much as we can .
Zookeepers also need to prepare for the potential for power outages, which comes with its own set of challenges, Burdick said. We have several buildings with generators or the ability to plug one in so we can move as many smaller animals as possible. For animals like bears or big cats, we just give them deep straw beds and we would run gasoline generators to provide heat for those species. We also have contingency plans in place for water, food, etc.
Tips for pets
This week we prepared our cars, our homes and our families for extreme weather conditions. It is also important to remember the needs of pets at this time of year. Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM at PetSmart, shares tips on how to make sure your pets are warm and happy through this winter storm and the entire winter season.
• Limit walks and outdoor activities.
Leaving your dog outside to go to the bathroom or for a brisk walk is fine, but never leave a pet outside for long periods of time, especially during a winter storm or extreme cold.
• Add additional layers.
Pet sweaters aren’t just for fun, they also help keep your pet warm. If your pet is shivering, he needs extra layers like a sweater or a coat. To help keep body heat in and protect their paws from extreme cold as well as salt and ice, consider using booties on the paws when venturing outside.
• Beware of hazardous chemicals.
Many people use snowmelt products such as de-icers, antifreeze, and salt which can cause skin irritation and, if injected by your pet, can be fatal. After a walk, it is important to thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws and belly, especially after walking in areas where these products are frequently used.
• Keep skin protected.
Just like humans, many pets experience dry skin during the winter. When they need a bath, try using a pet-friendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep their skin healthy and hydrated. If your pet’s skin seems very dry, supplements like fish oil can be added to your pet’s food or special treats can be given to help the skin and coat.
Dry your pet.
Having wet fur is a very quick and sure way to dry out their skin and lower their body temperature. After a walk in the snow or splashing in puddles, be sure to dry your pet with towels or a hair dryer.
Tips for surviving weather-related emergencies with your pet
• Create an emergency kit for pets in case of a storm or power outage.
The kit should include the supplies needed to keep them fed, warm, and safe during emergency conditions like blizzards or extreme cold. Stash a copy of their vaccination and medical records, vet contact information, and a current photo of your furry friend in your emergency kit, too, in case you need it.
• Make sure you have all the care items your pet might need, such as medication, puppy pads, waste bags, litter supplies and calming spray.
• Keep a week’s supply of food in an airtight container with bottled water and portable bowls.
• Keep all identifying information up to date.
Although winter emergencies can add to the importance, it is essential that your pet wears a tag displaying your telephone number all year round.
• Microchip and register your pet with current contact information.
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