Cold Weather Quiz - Answers

What are the basic things an outdoor dog needs in the winter in Minnesota?

     Outdoor dogs need several things to be sure they are safe through the Minnesota winters.  The most important thing is to make sure your dog is acclimated.  In other words, you cannot take a dog that has been mostly indoors except for walks and potty breaks all winter and then put them outside come January.  They will not be acclimated or accustomed to the weather, they will not have had time to build up the proper hair coat and they will be at risk!  Secondly, they MUST have a shelter.  The dog house should be just big enough to stand up in, turn around, and rest comfortably, BUT, not so big that they cannot heat it up with their body heat.  The shelter needs to have a cover on the door to keep the wind out.  The dog house itself should be protected from the wind by the house, shrubs/trees, or a tarp.  The shelter should also have bedding for the dog.  An insulated dog house is best.  Next, they MUST have fresh water available at all times, NOT frozen.  Eating snow doesn't count as their body burns up energy to melt the snow.  You will need to use heated bowls to be sure they have water available.  It goes without saying that they should not be shaved down, however, coat care is extremely important to make sure they can utilize their fur as nature intended.  Keep them combed and brushed to keep the matts out.  Food is needed and likely more calories than they needed in the summer time as they will burn a lot of calories in order to stay warm.

How cold is too cold for my dog?

     Everyone wants to know the "magic" temperature that is too cold.  The answer is...it depends!  There are way too many variables to give a specific degree.  Things to consider are whether your dog has a thick hair coat and was bred for cold temperatures (think Alaskan Malamute) or a thin hair coat (think Chihuahua) - What's okay for one of these dogs is definitely NOT okay for the other!  As mentioned above, acclimating is critical.  If your dog has always been an outdoor dog it will build up a better coat and tolerance for the cold than the indoor dog forced suddenly to live outside.  Breed isn't always just about hair coat.  Some dogs truly love the colder weather, like Newfoundlands.  Factor in wind chill as well - just like in people cold weather and a wind is always worse than cold weather and calm.  Regardless, pets outside need protection (see question #1 and its answer).

What toxins are dogs and cats exposed to when they go outside in the winter?

     The big concerns are antifreeze & salt toxicity when we think about outdoor animals.  However, some indoor toxins are more available in winter too - rat and mouse poisons, human medications (especially those for arhtritis pain), and potpourri are some to think about.  Also, fire place hazards and candles can be a problem as well.

How should I keep my bird or small mammal warm on the way to the veterinary hospital?

     It is very important to keep these little guys warm; they obviously are not acclimated to the cold so be sure to warm up the vehicle well before it is time to leave.  Always bring them in a carrier.  You can make hot water bottles out of pop bottles or take an athletic sock and fill it with white rice, tie off the end of the sock (don't use anything with metal) and the heat it up in the microwave.  Put the heat source in the cage but wrap it in a towel so your pet doesn't get burned (be careful not to get these too hot but I still use the towel just to be safe).  Then cover the carrier with a thick blanket or towel.

Where does frostbite most commonly occur on pets?

     The most common place by far is the ear tips but other places can be affected as well including toes and feet, tails, scrotum in male dogs and the belly if they are lying down on ice.  If you suspect frost bite the best thing is to get the pet out of the cold and then get them in to the clinic right away.

Cold weather can be fun - just remember to keep it safe!