by Julie Wenger Watson | Photos courtesy of Pixabay
Oklahoma is famous for its volatile weather in winter and throughout the year. Living in this state means experiencing everything from extreme temperatures, tornadoes, and high humidity to flooding, hail, and lightning — often within a few days’ time. Most Oklahomans know what it takes to prepare their human families for Mother Nature’s often unpredictable deliveries, but it’s important to take our pets’ health and safety into account too.
Be Ready for Winter Weather
With their fur coats, it might seem as though cats and dogs would be more resistant to cold weather than their owners, but just like people, animals are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. If it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold outside for your pet. Pets left outdoors in severe cold can also become disoriented. Although certain dog breeds with longer, thicker hair are more tolerant of cold weather, no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing temperatures.
If it’s impossible to bring pets indoors, make sure they have a dry, draft-free enclosure that is large enough for them to sit and lie down but small enough to hold in their body heat. The floor should be a few inches off the ground and, ideally, covered with cedar shavings or straw for extra insulation. Position the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Avoid using space heaters or heat lamps because of the risk of burns or fires. Make sure pets have unlimited access to fresh, nonfrozen water.
On colder days, consider limiting your walks to shorter distances, keeping your particular pet in mind. Older, arthritic animals might have difficulty walking on snow and ice, which can make them more prone to slipping and falling. Short-haired pets might not be as tolerant of cold, and short-legged pets are more likely to have their bodies and bellies in contact with the snow-covered ground, causing them to get colder faster.
Pets with certain health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, might have more trouble regulating their body temperatures.
Don’t let your dogs off the leash on snow or ice or in a snowstorm. They can lose the scent in snow and easily become lost.
As always, make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information or consider a microchip for a more permanent means of identification.
Antifreeze is lethal for dogs and cats, and many deicing products contain chemicals that are also toxic to animals. Because of that, it’s important to wipe down or wash your pet’s feet, legs, and belly after a winter walk to remove any toxic chemicals before the animal licks its feet or fur.
Paws need special care during winter. Check regularly for signs of cold-weather injury or damage such as cracks, redness, or bleeding paw pads.
Plan ahead for Power Outages
Brief power outages are not uncommon in this state at any time of year. Although an hour or two without electricity can be annoying, a lengthy power outage in the cold of winter or heat of summer can be dangerous for humans and animals. A generator can keep your heater, air conditioner, and appliances running smoothly during outages, allowing you and your pets to remain comfortably in your home until power is restored.
Not only is this important for dogs and cats, but smaller animals such as rabbits and mice and exotic creatures such as reptiles, hedgehogs, and birds can suffer from shifts in temperature too. If your pets are the aquatic type, a consistent source of electricity is needed to keep aquarium pumps, heaters, filters, and lights running to maintain a stable habitat.
Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and other places to stay in case you and your pets need to relocate during a power outage or other emergency. Include family members or friends who would be willing to host you and your animals if needed.
Severe weather and other disasters can present all kinds of challenges for pets and their owners. However, a little bit of planning can go a long way toward keeping you and your animal companions healthy and safe.
