With temperatures dipping into the single digits and snow and ice-covered surfaces everywhere, local veterinarians urge pet owners to take animal safety seriously.
“One common misconception is that pets can tolerate cold much better than people, but that can lead to serious problems like frostbite, especially on ear tips and unprotected areas like the abdomen,” said Dr. Fred Metzger, medical director of Metzger Animal Hospital in State College, and a professional with 31 years of experience in the field of veterinary medicine.
He added that pets, like people, have their own unique level of cold tolerance. In animals, factors such as the thickness of their coat, body fat stores, activity levels and health all contribute to how different pets tolerate freezing temperatures.
Keeping pets safe and warm in winter weather is no longer just a moral obligation, it’s a legal obligation, too.
Libre’s Law, enacted in August, provides clear and comprehensive guidelines for protecting animals from extreme weather conditions. The legislation updates and clarifies animal abuse offenses and increases penalties for committing those offenses. For instance, specifically regarding weather-related issues, a dog cannot be leashed and left alone outside for more than 30 minutes in temperatures below freezing or temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
According to Heather Geyer, certified veterinary technician at Starlet Veterinary Clinic in Bellefonte, it’s important to note that the law is not just in effect for freezing weather, but also extreme heat. Geyer, who has worked in the field for more than 10 years, pointed out the mandates of the law should apply to all pets, not just those on leashes.
“The law specifies for leashed or tied animals, but animals off leash can be just as affected by extremes in weather,” Geyer said.
Both Metzger and Geyer agreed that Libre’s Law is a triumph for animal lovers and is meant to improve the health and quality of life for pets across Pennsylvania.
“Libre’s Law was a major victory for our furry friends and welcome legislation for anyone who cares about the welfare of animals,” said Metzger. “I think the law has helped create an environment that makes the community more accepting of vocal animal advocates and gives serious punishment to anyone who abuses or neglects animals.”
Geyer said she thinks it’s “great” that legislators have recognized the safety and health of animals as being a serious issue and that something is being done to increase protection for pets.
What should people do to ensure their pets are as safe, healthy and happy during winter weather?
Metzger recommended shortening dog walks in extremely cold weather to protect both the dog and the dog walker for weather-associated health risks.
“Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. We routinely see an increase in joint injuries, especially cruciate (knee) ligament injuries in the winter, especially with snow or icy conditions,” he said.
Geyer suggested making sure pet-safe salt is put down and pets’ paws are covered.
Check paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked or bleeding paws. If, during a walk, a dog suddenly seems lame, it could be due to an injury or ice accumulation between toes, said Metzger. Pet owners may want to clip hair between dog’s toes in order to reduce the chance of ice ball accumulation.
Pet owners should avoid keeping pets outside in cold weather at all costs, unless they have adequately heated facilities, Metzger said.
“Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Long-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather, but shorter-coated breeds can have severe problems if left unprotected.”
Another lesser-known issue to think about regarding cold weather issues for pets is frozen water sources. It’s important to make sure pets have access to clean water because frozen water sources are inaccessible to animals and can lead to dehydration, Metzger said. He also pointed out that another serious cold weather problem is toxins, especially antifreeze.
“Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is very toxic to pets and can result in severe kidney failure and death. Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly, as even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly. Call your veterinarian or a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital immediately if you suspect that your pet may have consumed antifreeze.”
He also noted that outdoor cats can received traumatic injuries from car fan belts.
“Automobile fan belts can cause deadly injuries because a warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood and honk the horn before starting the engine,” Metzger said.
Understanding the legal guidelines of pet care, and taking the proper precautions to protect animals will help pets feel warm, comfortable and content this winter. Metzger said he believes pet owners must realize the importance of taking the health and safety of their pets seriously.
“I feel that our pets and children are the most innocent and treasured resources on earth and must be protected.”
