{"id":660,"date":"2021-01-01T00:28:41","date_gmt":"2021-01-01T00:28:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baysideanimalhospitalonline.com\/?p=660"},"modified":"2022-03-02T12:33:24","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T20:33:24","slug":"6-tips-to-ensure-your-pet-stays-safe-in-cold-weather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.baysideanimalhospitalonline.com\/blog\/6-tips-to-ensure-your-pet-stays-safe-in-cold-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Tips to Ensure Your Pet Stays Safe in Cold Weather"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Winter is here, and what better way to combat the cooler temperatures and chilly rain than with cozy sweaters, crackling fires, and couch cuddles with your furry pal. Since our four-legged companions aren\u2019t able to bundle themselves up for the cold, they rely on their pet parents to provide protection from frigid winter temperatures. Our pets may have year-round fur coats, but they are still at risk of illness and injury from cold weather exposure. Ensure your pets are safe this winter with these six tips from our <\/span>Bayside Animal Hospital<\/b> team. <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1: Take your pet for a winter wellness check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The winter months are a great time to take your pet for a veterinary wellness examination, especially if they are approaching their grey muzzle years. Senior pets and pets with ongoing health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances, may  have a more difficult time managing their body temperature. Cold temperatures may also exacerbate clinical signs in arthritic pets, and stiff, painful joints can make standing or walking more difficult. Your Bayside<\/span> veterinarian may recommend medications to reduce your pet\u2019s pain, as well as blood work to make an early diagnosis of any illness that chilly temperatures may affect adversely. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2: Dress your pet for the occasion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some<\/span> pets with thick fur coats, such as Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes, may tolerate cold weather more easily, but all animals are susceptible to the effects of cold temperatures, so limit your pet\u2019s time outside in the cold. Generally, if it\u2019s too cold outside for you, it\u2019s too cold for your pet. Smaller pets, pets with short fur, and hairless breeds are especially sensitive to cold temperatures. Consider dressing  your pet in a properly fitting sweater or jacket to keep them warm outdoors. Additionally, protect your pet\u2019s paws with boots or salves such as <\/span>Musher\u2019s Secret<\/span><\/a>, to ensure they are comfortable walking on cold or wet surfaces. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3: Monitor your pet for signs of hypothermia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Changes in your pet\u2019s body temperature can cause hypothermia, which is a serious medical condition that occurs when their body temperature drops below 100 degrees. A healthy pet’s body temperature is normally higher than a human\u2019s, and ranges from 100 degrees to 102.5 degrees. Hypothermia signs in pets include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n