Pets and Tulsa Cold Weather
January 1, 2010
Many pets are indoor pets and are use to the comforts just as us humans are and have the same troubles as we would if left outdoors for extended lengths of time. The Tulsa, OK area has been hit by colder than normal winter weather this year and according to the Tulsa weather forecast more is on the way. The sad news is that many people think that all animals can live outdoors and adapt to the weather just because they have fur. This is far from the truth. Our pets are not wild animals that fight and hope to make it through the cold bitter winter. Many of the animals out in wild do not actually make it through the winter months. It is our responsibility to take care of our pets.
Things you should do to care for your pets during the winter include:
- Ask your vet to check your pet to ensure they do not have any medical problems that make them vulnerable to cold temperatures
- When the weather is cold, keep pets in as much as possible
- When they must go out, go with them. When you are ready to go in bring them in as well. This way you know they are not outside in the cold too long
- If you have to leave them outside for long periods of time make sure, they have access to a solid shelter. The shelter should be constructed so the wind cannot get inside with warm thick bedding and plenty of water. The water should of course be liquid. If possible, wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place in the shelter as well.
- Of course, there are some breeds that can stay out longer in cold temperatures such as Huskies and Komondors. On the other hand, dog’s breeds such as Chihuahaus and dachshunds are not winter weather dogs. Any animal that has to wade through piles of snow up to their shoulders will of course become cold quicker than taller animals. Cats may seem to like the cold, but the temperatures can sneak up on them.
The health of your pet has quite a bit to do with the length of time they can stay outdoors in the cold. Certain conditions like hormonal imbalances, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease the ability to regulate their body heat. Pets that are not in good health, older pets, and young pets cannot tolerate the cold.
Winter Precautions:
If you own cats or have feral cats in your area they will curl up against practically anything to stay warm which does include the engine on your vehicle. Before starting your vehicle, honk your horn or beat on the hood to wake up any sleeping kitties as starting your engine could be a fatal mistake.
If you have a lake or pond on your property, do not let your dog run loose. He can fall through the ice.
Electric heaters can be enticing to pets and they can and will curl up to be toasty warm. Make sure they do not have a paw or tail against the heat source.
If you allow your pet to go outdoors, you should wipe their paws with a clean cloth when they come indoors. This will make sure that they do not lick chemicals or rock salt from their paws. These types of winter products can cause an inflammation of the digestive tract.
Watch your pet to ensure they do not get frostbit. If you notice small particles of ice forming on their ears, paws, or tails they need to be taken indoors to get warm. You can soak his extremities for about 20 minutes in warm water to melt the ice and start circulation. You should take him to the vet after he is warm.
We hope you find these winter pet tips are helpful and you return for frequent updates from our Tulsa Real Estate Blog or subscribe to our RSS feed to stay current.
