Pets need warmth and consistent care in winter

By Charles Christian

With the temperatures dropping, pet owners need to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of their four-legged friends.

Stormy Lawson, a tech at Savannah Veterinary Clinic, said outdoor pets can have an especially difficult adjustment in the winter.

“Outdoor pets who suddenly find themselves in enclosed spaces can be exposed to allergies or even viruses they are not prepared for,” Lawson said. “That means owners should pay careful attention to excessive itching, rashes or runny noses.”

When it comes to snow, Lawson said that it is important to check between the toes of pets, since ice gets stuck between their toes can cause issues.

“They can experience irritation,” Lawson said, “and then they tend to lick, which leads to further problems.”

These problems include picking up a variety of viruses and allergic reactions.

Stephen Norman at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter added that owners don’t necessarily have to feel that outdoor pets should stay inside all the time during the winter. While he said bringing them in during extreme cold temperatures of 20 degrees and under is a good idea, he also said pets do need time to acclimate to colder temperatures.

If you are always bringing them in, Lawson said, “their bodies can become too accustomed to indoor temperatures, which could cause them problems if they’re outdoors in moderately cold winter temperatures.”

Both experts said a little extra attention to changes in animals’ skin or their breathing is key while also planning for drastic drops in temperatures. For more information, contact your local veterinarian or call the St. Joseph Animal Shelter dispatch line at 816-271-2877.