USA : Monday, 10 January 2011 (Local Time)
High temperatures in the 40s this week? Time to get out the dog's heavy sweater.
Although we won't experience anything like the holiday snowstorms in the East, our weather forecast says temperatures could dip around freezing, so the reminder goes out to protect your pipes, plants and pets. Areas north of Houston, including Conroe, could see lows in the 20s Wednesday morning.
You know the drill: Wrap the pipes, cover the plants and let the pets sleep in your bed, if they don't already.
At least bring dogs and cats indoors if the temperature drops below freezing, advises Dr. Christi Hawkins of the Banfield Pet Hospital in Magnolia.
If you can't bring the animals in the house, think about putting them in the garage in a crate or kennel so they will not have access to harmful chemicals, she said.
Keep pets warm with extra bedding, but don't use electrical devices that can be chewed, causing electrocution or a fire.
Hawkins says smaller indoor pets are just like us. "If we put on a jacket, they need a jacket," she said.
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Older dogs may suffer stiffness on cold mornings.
"A lot of senior pets have underlying arthritis that's natural with age," Hawkins said. "That's definitely a discomfort in our aging pets that we don't see year-round because we're in warm temperatures."
The animal can be evaluated by a veterinarian to get joint supplements or pain management medications.
However, the veterinarian is more concerned about people who stopflea treatment and heartworm prevention for their pets when the weather chills a bit.
"Despite the cold temperatures, all the parasites still persist," Hawkins said. Even if there is a freeze, the critters will pop up again from a dormant stage to attack your pets.
"We have to have multiple freezes in a row to knock those populations down," she said.
So to keep your pet healthy, it is best to maintain preventive treatment throughout the year.
The Houston SPCA offers the following cold-weather tips to keep your pets safe.
• Housing: Outdoor pets should have a well-insulated house that is wind resistant, waterproof and elevated off the ground so wind and moisture can't seep inside. Install a door flap to protect against drafts. Extra blankets and straw will increase your pet's warmth. Room and floor heaters should be kept away from your pet since they are fire hazards and can cause injuries .
• Food and water: Provide clean water every day. Outdoor pets need to consume 25 percent to 50 percent more calories than usual because the cold weather tends to deplete their energy.
• Cats and cars: Keep your cats indoors during the winter. Not only can outdoor cats freeze, they sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars to stay warm. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by moving parts. Give an outdoor cat a chance to escape by banging loudly on the car hood before starting your car.
• Warmth: If your dog is a short-haired breed, consider getting it a sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly to keep it warm.
• Antifreeze: Dogs and cats are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol. A tiny lick can kill your pet, so check your driveway for leaks from your car. Keep containers tightly closed and clean up spills. Check your local retailer for "pet safe" antifreeze.
Story and Foto from : www.chron.com (reported by Lana Berkowitz)
