Tips For Keeping Your Pets Warm In Extreme Cold
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- As we get ready for some of the most extreme cold we've felt this winter, it's important to remember our pets.
Last year, veterinarians saw more pets with frostbite here in Minnesota. Just like humans, it only takes minutes when the temperatures get below zero.
Mary Taylor has been walking dogs for more than a decade, so she knows her clients pretty well. Taylor knows that Ginger takes two sweaters to stay warm in the cold and when Trevor starts lifting his paws, it's time to go inside.
"He's a bit of a tenderfoot," said Taylor. "It just depends on the dog."
Veterinarians say this extreme cold can cause hypothermia and frostbite for pets, just like people.
"Big thing are tips of ears, tail tips and the paws are pretty susceptible to frost bite and it just takes a few minutes," said Dr. Travis Anderson, a veterinarian with The Uptown Veterinarian. "Keep them indoors as much as possible and then short times outside."
And while those booties make for some funny home videos, they actually do serve a purpose.
"If they need a walk, putting the booties on you can stay out a little longer safely," said Dr. Anderson. "The big thing is the cold and the salt and everything in those paw pads can cause cracking and bleeding. If you can wipe down their paws when they come in from the outside, that helps a lot."
"Boots I'd say are one of our biggest sellers," said Julia Demakis-Haustein, social media manager at Lulu and Luigi's.
They also sell dog friendly ice melt, balm for pet's paws and even dog snow suits.
"A coat, certainly for a short-haired dog, can be helpful to keep them warm," said Dr. Anderson.
Even with the extra layers, limit your pet's time outside and keep an eye out for frostbite.
"With frostbite, the skin is going to get really pale or a blue color," said Dr. Anderson. "It can be pretty painful so if you see that, always best to call your vet."
Dr. Anderson said calling your vet is the best option, but if your pets paws do get too cold you can apply a warm compress, not a hot one.
"Wait for that color to come back to the skin and try to be really gentle with the skin," said Dr. Anderson. "You don't want to massage it or anything like that. Last year I saw quite a few with the paws that had been worn down and had frostbite on the pads."
Dr. Anderson also said to add one more thing to your morning routine.
"In the morning when you're going to start your car, give the hood a couple of taps," said Dr. Anderson. "Sometimes cats that are outdoors will crawl up into the engine compartment where it's nice and warm."
