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The recent -- and seemingly endless -- snowfalls and cold weather might be annoying, troublesome and whine-worthy. But a contingent of the population affected by adverse weather never complains. Your pet. And the inclement weather is less an inconvenience to animals than a potential threat to their health.
Extreme winter weather poses some real hazards to animals, and pet owners, according to veterinarian Dr. C. Christian Benyei, owner of Westport's Schulhof Animal Hospital, should take precautions to ensure the safety of their outdoors-going cats and dogs.
"Risk factors are similar to those for people," says Dr. Benyei. Frostbite, for example, "can occur on extremities, such as ears and feet, and snow tends to ball up between the toes of dog's feet," exacerbating the problem.
Additionally, says Dr. Benyei, owners need to remember that huge snowfalls create a dearth of areas for pets relieve themselves. And an inability to void properly can, he says, create "problems with retention of urine or urinary inflammation." Deep snow, such as the blanket covering Fairfield County, needs to be shoveled adequately so a "toilet area" is created.
Adding to storm-related dangers, pets can become disoriented during severe weather, and snowplow operators have limited visibility while on the road. Owners, says Dr. Benyei, should consider accompanying their animals, particularly elderly ones, outdoors during severe weather situations.
Cats can find themselves in danger during inclement weather also, as their escape from abundant predators (coyotes and foxes) can be hindered by deep snow. And some cats, says Dr. Benyei, "will seek warmth on the hood of a recently run car or on top of the engine block. When the car is started, the fan blades can cause catastrophic injuries."
But animals, particularly those who regularly patrol their backyards, are curious and scrappy. And keeping them indoors excessively until the spring thaw is next to impossible. Pay attention to their needs during extreme winter weather. As "parents" it's our job to keep them safe. Sometimes, as with our two-footed kids, that means making some difficult decisions
Click here for more information about keeping your pets safe during the winter. Also, visit the ASCPA website for additional tips.
How do you keep your pets safe during the long winter months? Do you close your doggy-door (if you have one), so that your animals won't venture out into the cold night? Please let me know here, or email me, at jcurtis@mainstreetconnect.us.
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