INCLement WEATHER TIPS FOR PETS
The Wenatchee Valley is known for its beauty year-round and we are fortunate to have all four seasons. However, having periods of extreme heat and extreme cold can be challenging for our four-legged friends and they rely on their humans for what they need to keep safe and healthy during these times.
To best keep your pet safe, and to ensure you are following state laws, please note the following tips and requirements for cold and hot weather.
Winter:
1. Know your dog Some dogs are more susceptible to the cold than others. If your dog has a short-coat, is thin, elderly, or very young it is possible he or she gets cold more quickly – so adjust the amount of time they stay outside! If your dog enjoys being outdoors for longer than a few minutes, consider outfitting them with a sweater or coat to keep them warm.
Hypothermia and frostbite can pose significant risks to dogs in the winter, so use the guideline if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your dog!
2. Check the car To keep warm, outdoor or community cats may look to a vehicle engine in winter months. If you start your car and a cat is sleeping under the hood, it could be severely hurt or killed. Prevent accidental injuries by banging on the car hood or honking the horn before starting the car. This will wake the cat and allow it to escape before the engine starts.
3. Wipe their paws While walking outside in the winter, your pet’s paws can pick up all kinds of toxic chemicals – salt, antifreeze, or de-icers. Wipe your pet’s paws when they come inside to avoid them licking anything hazardous and becoming sick; this is also a great time to check paws for damage or injury.
Purchasing pet-safe de-icers for walkways and driveways is a good way to add an extra level of safety.
4. I.D. them More pets become lost in the winter than any other season as snowfall can disguise recognizable scents that normally help dogs and cats find their way back home. Help prevent your dog from becoming lost by keeping them leashed on walks and make sure they are licensed and chipped. In the event they do become separated from you, licensing and microchips could be the difference between your pet returning home quickly, or having to spend the night with us.
5. Leave them home Just as hot cars are dangerous for pets in the summer, cold cars pose a threat too, as they can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold. Only take your pets in the car if it is necessary, and never leave them unattended.
7. Be seen During Daylight Savings, many people will walk their dogs in the dark. Keep yourself and your dog safe by wearing reflective gear (clothing, leash, collar, etc) and keeping your dog close, especially when walking on the street.
8. Give them shelter Ideally, all pets should live inside. If your pets live outdoors primarily, bring them indoors during sub-zero temperatures. For the rest of the winter, provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to sit and lay comfortably, but small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with bedding (we recommend cedar shavings or straw). Face the shelter entryway away from the wind, coving the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Pets who spend a lot of time outside need more food to replace energy lost from trying to stay warm. Use plastic food and water dishes instead of metal – when temperatures are low enough, your pets’ tongue can become stuck to metal.
9. Avoid spills Antifreeze attracts cats and dogs because of its sweet taste, but it’s extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or death to a pet that has ingested it! When filling antifreeze, be sure to clean any spills that may occur and store the bottle somewhere pets cannot access.
10. Be prepared Thanks to great hydroelectric power from our local PUDs power outages, even from extreme winter weather, are uncommon in our area. But, still possible. Avoid a power outage crisis by creating an emergency plan and make sure they include your pets! Have an emergency kit with enough food, water, medication, litter and any other necessities to last your pets at least five days. Most likely you will never need it, but if you do, you will be thankful you planned ahead!
SUMMER:
1. Avoid Pavement When Possible Even when the temperature is very high your dog will still need daily walks, but keep them shorter avoiding the hottest times of day, if possible. Since dogs are closer to the ground, their body temp can heat up quickly and their sensitive paws can burn, so don’t let them linger on hot pavement or asphalt.
2. Lifeguard on Duty Never leave a pet unattended by water. Since not all dogs are good swimmers, it’s important to introduce them to water gradually and always wear flotation devices when on boats. If swimming in a pool, rinse your dog off afterward to remove chlorine from their fur, and try to keep them from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals.
3. Stay Cool If at all possible, keep pets indoors during the day. Quick walks and bathroom breaks are OK, but try to keep your pets in the shade. If pets do spend time outside during the day, ensure that they have access to shade at all hours of the day and are not on hot pavement or asphalt. Dogs on tethers are especially vulnerable because they could become tangled in the tether, out of reach of shade or water.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Provide pets with fresh, cool water at all times. During summer, water should be refreshed often to keep the water cool. Most dogs won’t drink hot water, even if they are thirsty. If you are taking your pet on an outdoor adventure, bring water and a portable container with you. Lake, stream or river water contains bacteria and other contaminates that can harm your pet.
5. Do Not Eat Rodenticides and other commonly used lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to pets if ingested, so keep them out of reach. You should also keep other common summer items, such as citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out your pet’s reach as well. If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian immediately.
6. Know the Signs Keeping pets cool in the summer time is the best way to avoid overheating and heat stroke, which can be fatal. It’s important to pet to know the signs, including: heavy panting, glazed eyes, increased heart and respiratory rate, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness. If you see these signs in your pet, immediately contact a veterinarian.
7. Fireworks and Pets Don’t Mix Fireworks are a lot of fun- for humans. Loud noises and bright lights can scare many pets, leaving them lost and disoriented. Make sure pets are in a secure, safe place with something soft to curl up in. Playing music softly can also help. Making sure all tags, licenses and identification are up to date is also important in case they do become frightened, disoriented and lost. This could be the difference between your pet returning home quickly, or having to spend the night with us.
8. Leave Pets At Home Running a ‘quick’ errand and leaving your pet in the car might seem harmless, but it can quickly escalate into a dangerous! The interior of a car can become an oven within minutes, reach upwards of 20 degrees higher than the temperature outside in just a few minutes. Cracked windows and shade from trees do not provide enough relief and your pet is at risk from suffering serious medical conditions, including fatal heat stroke. When it comes to pets, staying at home is best!
9. Be prepared Emergencies like wildfires can and do happen! Prepare your pet for the unthinkable by creating an emergency plan that includes an emergency kit for your pet. Include items like food, water, medication, litter, and any other necessities to last your pets at least five days. Most likely you will never need it, but if you do, you will be glad you planned ahead!