Cold Kills: Take precautions to keep your pets safe

Much of the country is getting slammed with bone-chilling weather right now, and Kentucky is getting ready to take its share of the damage in the next two days.  It seems like people are more aware of the dangers posed by extreme heat than they are of those posed by extreme cold, so we're hoping this will serve as a reminder that cold kills - and hopefully as a helpful guide to keep your pets safe during these frigid days.

1. Bring pets inside. 
The assumption that pets (and cats in particular) are able to fend for themselves outdoors, regardless of climate, can be a fatal one.  We've seen plenty of frostbitten pets come through our doors, which is bad enough...but those are the lucky ones that survive.  We have already heard reports of pets freezing to death outdoors earlier this week, and it's going to be even colder over the next few days; take into account wind chill from gusts up to 40mph and the threat of hypothermia is severe.

If you do not normally keep your pets indoors, today is the day to find a compromise.  A basement, utility room, tack room, or garage will do - any kind of protection from wind, ice, and drifting snow helps.

2. If you cannot bring animals in (feral cats, for instance), provide extra protection for them.
For free-roaming cats, a DIY kitty shelter is easy and affordable; these cost about $35 to make and may hold up to 6 cozy cats when the weather is bad.

Move dog houses onto porches or close to buildings, and provide extra bedding; straw helps conserve heat and stays dry.  Break the wind in any way you can.  Make sure food and water are checked hourly to ensure they are not frozen - that will happen quickly in sub-zero temperatures.

3. Be smart about outdoor exercise.
Don't go off-leash, especially in a snow storm; dogs can lose a scent easily in cold and blustery weather, and are likely to get lost.  The ASPCA reports that more dogs are lost during winter than any other season.  Just in case, make sure your dog is wearing current ID tags.

Wipe down paws, legs, and bellies when you come in from a walk.  Ice and snow can pack between toe pads and cause frostbite, and trekking through deicers can leave toxic residue on paws and fur.

Take it easy; as with hot weather exercise, you need to know your dog's limits and respect them.  Opt for more frequent, shorter bouts of exercise instead of a couple of long romps.  If your dog maintains a heavy outdoor activity schedule even in winter, bump up his protein intake to keep his body and coat in good shape. 

4. Dress to impress.
Nothing wrong with equipping your pet with a sweater, coat, or even booties before heading out on a cold day.  Plus, it's super cute, even (especially?!) on big dogs.  This is particularly important for puppies and elderly dogs, small dogs, and short-coated dogs, as they are naturally less equipped to handle the cold.

5. Report any lost or found pets immediately.
When it's -5 degrees outside, every minute matters.  If you have lost or found a pet, contact your local animal control agency immediately - do not wait.  In Woodford County, that number is 859.879.0598.  If you have found a pet, and are capable of keeping it indoors until help arrives, please do so.  You may save a life. 

6. A car is not a safe place for a pet.
We all know that cars act like little greenhouses in the summer, but did you know that they also act like little refrigerators in the winter?  A car is not a safe place for your pet; if you cannot take them with you wherever you're going, leave them at home. 

7. Check your microchip registration. 
If you haven't double-checked your pet's microchip registration in a while, take a minute to do it today.  In the event that your pet does become lost, a microchip with a current address and phone number registered to it is the fastest, surest way to get your pet home again - and, again, minutes can matter in sub-zero temps.

8. Get help when you need it.
If your pet is hypothermic, frostbitten, or in any other way in need of vet care, get it.  Don't wait.  Know how to get in touch with your regular vet, and look up the contact info for an emergency vet near you today; hopefully you won't need it, but if you do, you'll be ready.  Many vet clinics offer after-hours emergency care for established clients - find out if yours is one of them.

9. Now is the time for marathon snuggling.
We'll end on a lighter note, and just remind you that while you keep your pets warm, they can keep you warm, too!  Nothing is cozier than a lap full of cats or a dog tucked in beside you in bed.  Think of this weather as the perfect time to hone your snuggling technique.  

Stay safe and stay warm, Kentucky friends!  Take care of each other, and take care of your furry friends, too.  We could all use a little extra warmth this week.