Keep your furry friends safe this winter

    Winter weather can be dangerous not just for humans, but pets, as well.
    There are many ways to make sure all your loved ones are safe this winter.
    
Shelter
    Dogs need similar basics in winter as humans, Nicole Hendricks, DVM, said.
    Hendricks is a veterinarian at Veterinary Services in Imperial.
    Hendricks said dogs need dry shelter and access to water that isn’t frozen.
    “You can get heated water bowls and a portable heating supply ... be careful with those, though,” she said. “Water’s a big issue when it starts getting cold.”
    
Type of dog
    “A lot of it depends on the size of the dog and if they have hair,” she said. “My furry cow dog is fine, but if it got below 30 degrees, my boxer would be shivering.”
    Bigger dogs can also withstand cold temperatures better than smaller dogs.
    Other factors in “how cold is too cold” include if wet weather is present, if it’s a Northern breed or has a heavy coat or if the dog is acclimated to cold.
    
What to avoid
    While some may think nothing of it, there are some things we do during winter that could be potentially hazardous to dogs.
    “There are certain ice melts that are safe for paws,” Hendricks said. “It’ll say safe for animals.”
    Some ice melt solutions can burn a dog’s paws, so it’s not just a matter of the dog potentially eating the salt.
    Antifreeze is another problem for dogs.
    “Antifreeze is toxic to dogs,” Hendricks said. “Keep it stored in a safe spot and away from animals or kids.”
    If you think your dog has gotten into antifreeze, get it to the vet immediately.
    “Time is a factor, so bring him in right away,” she said.
    
Identification
    Another issue Hendricks mentioned was dogs who run away during cold weather.
    Sometimes this can’t be avoided, so she urges registering your pet or even getting them microchipped.
    “The biggest thing is put something on them for I.D.,” she said.
    “Microchipping is actually really affordable,” Hendricks said. “It also doesn’t take long to do, and it doesn’t hurt the dog.”
    Chipping can be done at any time, whether it’s through an appointment just for that or having it done during vaccinations or boarding.
    The other important part of chipping, Hendricks said, is to keep your chip information updated.
    For more information on microchipping your pet, visit your local vet.
    
Cats
    “It’s the same idea for cats,” Hendricks said. “They need a dry shelter and water.”
    Pet owners can go online to see how to build a cathouse for strays, she said.
    
When to call
    If a stray or loose dog in the winter appears, or if people see an animal in inadequate situations, don’t hesitate to call.
    Imperial area residents can call the police or dispatch.
    “We don’t have any jurisdiction,” Hendricks said, “but the police will consult with us like is this adequate shelter?
    “If a stray comes in, we always put it on our Facebook (page) and the police will put it on Facebook,” she said.

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