Chilly Dogs and Other Winter Pet Care
Winter is here in earnest, and pets need some extra care fot their safety and comfort. Owners of smaller dogs need to be extra aware of their pets.
(PRWEB) January 7, 2005 -- Now that winter has settled in earnest, pet owners may wish to be more aware of their pets outdoor activities. This is especially true of smaller breeds of dogs.
Smaller dogs can become quickly uncomfortable in cold weather, and lack the body mass to maintain an even body temperature. In addition, short-haired breeds such as miniature Dachshunds or Chihuahuas may not have enough natural insulating fur to protect them.
Bipedal humans may not be aware of the microclimate their dog lives in and that it can be colder for their pet down at ground level. For a pet out in the open air, wind can pick up snow and drive it onto the pet further chilling him. As it blows along the ground on flat terrain, it can pick up a small amount of additional moisture and lower the perceived temperature (wind chill) further.
Once a dog becomes wet, their fur looses the ability to insulate. Pet owners should take extra care if their low-to-the-ground pets body touches the snow... it would be like swimming through a snow bank wearing no more than a sweater.
Pet Gear
There are many styles and sizes of pet sweaters that will fit any pet, and owners will find quality merchandise through online specialty sites (Cooper & Cadie, PetSmart). Velcro and elastic closures can make dressing your pooch quick and convenient. There are even dog galoshes, which can be nice to protect furry feet that pick up uncomfortable ice deposits.
Other winter hazards
Urban pets are in greater danger from cars that cannot maneuver or stop in slippery conditions. In bad conditions, it is best to simply walk your dog and keep both you and him away from roadways.
Rural pets need to be monitored to protect them from other animals, especially in winter. Winter is the time of hardship for predators, and hunger may drive normally shy carnivores to an available food. Pets can either be watched, walked, or their outdoor time can be limited to a certain amount of time.
Very small pets (under 8 pounds) may also be in danger from larger birds of prey.
Winter Pet Travel
If you take your pets with you when you travel, be sure to take the pets sweater too. Traveling with pets is commonplace, and many hotels that used to have a 'no pets policy are now welcoming owners and their pets. To find these accommodations, there are many quality sites presently available (try http://www.Pet-FriendlyTravel.Com, a new search engine that uses the same databases that giant travcl sites use, but culls out facilities that do not accept pets).
Finally, if a pet does become chilled, there is no better way to warm them than with body heat. Dry your pet as necessary, and wrap yourself and your pet in a blanket or towel and hold them until the shivering subsides.
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