Pet Spot: Winter care for mountain pets

Winter can be just as hard on pets as it is on humans. Wolves and mountain lions might live outdoors and thrive, but that doesn’t mean our dogs or cats should, too.
Wolves burrow into sheltered caves and pile up together in the cold; they have different diets and different lifestyles. Cold weather may put your pet’s health at risk and these are even greater if:
– Your pet is accustomed to being warm or indoors.
– Your pet is very young or elderly.
– Your pet has any health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism or respiratory conditions.
Even pets in good health should not be subjected to prolonged periods in cold weather.
If you start getting cold when you are outside, chances are your dog will be getting cold, too. Some breeds, like huskies, Bernese mountain dogs and Malamutes, fare better in the cold. Short-haired breeds are more sensitive to cold, and brachycephalic breeds (the adorable smashed-face kind) are sensitive to all extreme weather temperatures, hot or cold.
If you absolutely must leave your furry friends outdoors, be sure they have a place that is sheltered from rain and wind, with a deep layer of bedding or even hay to stay warm in.
All pets should have a bowl of clean, unfrozen water available at all times. A hot water bottle wrapped in a thick towel can help maintain a little warmth for a few hours.
Speaking of water, if you live by a river or pond and your dog goes swimming, it is not advisable to leave him outside in the cold.
Cats and other small pets may find their way to your car’s warm engine, so be aware — try honking — before you turn the key or drive off.
If your pet is staying indoors while you are gone, check your furnace for leaks before the winter starts. In some areas, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. will check for you at no cost.
Pets can get hypothermia and frostbite from being out in the cold for extended periods. Hypothermia is the more common of the two and occurs when an animal cannot keep its body temperature from falling below normal. Animals may shiver, shake or show signs of weakness, depression, lethargy or stiff muscles. They may slow down (their heart rates slow down, too) and not respond to stimulus.
Frostbite happens when the blood is drawn from the extremities to the center of the body, to keep essential organs alive. Ice crystals can form in the tissue of the extremities and may damage them permanently. If you suspect a pet has frostbite or hypothermia, warm it up and take it right away to your veterinarian.
Enjoy your outdoor time with your furry friends and have some happy, healthy winter fun.