Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful ... For Pets, Too! Cold Weather Dangers for Pets

A timely reminder from M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM of the VT Veterinary Medical Association:

"Temperatures are dropping, and with the colder weather, it's time to think about the dangers this presents for our pets, both indoors and outdoors only ones.  By taking a few common sense precautions, you can help reduce the cold weather dangers to your pets.

"Although some pets are conditioned to cold weather, veterinary experts agree that you should bring outdoor pets indoors if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  Puppies, kittens, and short haired pets should not be left outside for extended periods of time anytime the temperature goes below 40 degrees.  For pets with long hair, proper grooming is essential to help them maintain a layer of warming air within their coat.  Pets who are heavily matted cannot keep themselves warm.

"If your pet must stay outdoors, be sure to provide shelter for your pet:  they can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just like we do.  A pet's outdoor house must have at least three enclosed sides, be elevated off the ground, and contain generous amounts of bedding such as straw or hay.  In colder weather, bigger is not always better.  A house just big enough for your pet will warm up faster and retain heat better than something that is too big.  Your outdoor pet will need access to fresh water that isn't frozen.  Use heated water bowls and replenish them frequently.

"Cats love to warm up underneath car hoods.  If cats have access to your car outdoors or in your garage, be sure to pound on the hood of the car prior to starting it.  Many cats are killed or grievously injured by fan belts and moving engine parts.  Another danger that cars present to pets in cold weather is antifreeze poisoning.  If you suspect your pet has consumed any antifreeze at all, call your veterinarian immediately.

"Consider keeping dogs on a leash when they go outside.  Each winter we see cases of dogs that have gone off exploring "frozen" lakes or streams and fall through the ice into the frigid water.

"Inside the house, monitor all pets around wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and space heaters.  These can cause severe burns.  Younger pets romping through the house can knock objects onto these heat sources and cause a fire, so make sure to "pet-proof" the areas around them.  Wit the colder darker months, many people like to use candles in the home.  Make sure to place them where pets (especially cats) do not have access.  The can not only tip over the candle, they can set their fur on fire leading to serious burns.

"Our pets can suffer from arthritis in cold weather, just like humans do and it is just as painful for them.  If you are unsure if your pet has arthritis, want to know ways to keep our older pets comfortable during the cold weather, or if you have questions about cold weather issues with your pets, talk to your veterinarian."

Winter Seminar Series 2015

Whitman's is pleased to bring you yet another series of enjoyable, informative seminars.  They're held every Wednesday evening from 6:30 - 8:00 pm; each presentation runs roughly 1 hour, with a Q&A session afterward.  We have some returning speakers, and some new faces as well, and they'll be covering a wide and eclectic range of subjects.

This year's schedule:

Jan. 14:  ”Saddle Fitting” with Kitt Hazelton of Panther Run Saddlery.  She’ll cover the basics of English and western saddle fit, explain how to evaluate saddle fit and offer some fitting solutions for “problem” conformations.

Jan. 21:  ”Beekeeping 101″ with Rob Greene, Vice-President of Bennington County Beekeepers Club, Ltd.  Learn the basics of backyard beekeeping and the benefits of bee products.

Jan. 28:  ”Electric Fencing” with Greg Miller of Gallagher Fencing.  Greg will cover the lesser-known uses of electric fencing, such as protecting your bees, keeping deer out of your flowers and varmints out of your vegetable garden.  Come with your questions on electric fencing!

Feb. 4:  ”Poultry 101:  Back to the Basics” with Makenzie Fitzpatrick of Blue Seal Feeds.  Ever wanted a backyard flock?  Mackenzie will cover choosing, starting and raising your birds as well as how to house, contain, feed and care for them.

Feb. 11:   ”Second Annual Equine Quiz Night” with Dr. Shannon Guy of Arlington Equine.  A fun and informative night – come test your knowledge of equine health and veterinary topics!

Feb 18:  ”Beef 101:  Back to the Basics” with Makenzie Fitzpatrick of Blue Seal Feeds.  The ABCs of feeding, raising and caring for your beef cattle.

Feb 25:  ”Finding Neutral” with Tess Meyer.  Using a combination of basic techniques, Tess will address common misconceptions that can lead to roadblocks with your equine partner, and offer simple exercises to improve communication and connection between you and your horse.

Mar. 4:  ”‘Friendly’ Gardening Solutions” with Peter Bowden of Hewitt’s Garden Center.  Want to control garden pests without harmful chemicals?  Peter will discuss non-toxic, organic, eco-and pet friendly methods to protect your gardens.

Hope to see you there!