Show Notes

Show #: 06-131

Show Description: "Winter Pet Tips "

Audio Files: ATVR-06-131.mp3, ATVR-06-131.wma

This week on Ask The Vet Radio Dr. Tracy Dewhirst discussed tips for preparing your pet for the winter weather.  Allison Cardona, Senior Manager of Special Events and the Shelter Outreach Program for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), called in to discuss winter care during cold weather and pet concerns around the Holidays!  Dr. John Freeland from Asheville Equine also joined us via telephone to give listeners tips for keeping horses safe during the winter months. 

Show Notes and Resources:

Dr. Dewhirst gave listeners a list of tips to keep your pets safe from winter weather.

• Make sure pets have a dry, warm place to retreat to in cold weather.  Shelter must be insulated; ordinary wood will not keep animals warm.  Allow pets to come inside when the temperature drops below 40 degrees.  Not only can they develop frostbite, animals can also lose their sense of smell in the snow and ultimately lose their direction. 
• Doghouses in yard need to be elevated off of the ground to keep dry.  Put straw or wood shavings underneath the house to prevent drafts.  Turn house away from the wind and attach a piece of fabric in the form of a door to help block wind.  The house should be large enough for the dog to move around comfortably and should contain a warm, fluffy dog bed for them to sleep on.  Heat lamps and insulation can also be used.  The structure should not be drafty, but must allow animals to breathe in comfort.  Be careful with heat lamps because they can be hazardous if the bulbs touch other surfaces; electrocution can also be a danger if pets are able to chew on the cords. 
• Be aware of frostbite, especially in snow or rainy weather.  Always dry pets off when they come in, especially the belly where hair grows the least.  Also wipe their paws and clean their feet to prevent the highly toxic salt from driveways and other chemicals from being ingested or causing infection. 
• Winter can cause many animals to become dehydrated.  Be sure that your animals have a constant water source that is not frozen.  Be especially careful with horses; buckets can freeze over easily.   
• Give animals extra calories and take them outside for exercise.  Keep them on all heartworm and flea preventatives regardless of the season. 
• Be aware anti-freeze in the winter.  Anti-freeze is highly toxic but delicious to dogs.  One teaspoon can cause serious problems including acute renal failure.  If this develops, the condition can become fatal within 24-48 hours.  If you notice your pet staggering or acting disoriented, they may have ingested the toxin.  Seek emergency assistance immediately.  
• Animals, especially cats, crawl inside engines to seek shelter from the cold.  Honk the horn or bang on the hood loudly before starting the engine to give it a chance to escape. 
• Plan ahead when traveling with pets.  Make additional preparations for changes in climate during vacation and get a list of airline/state guidelines prior to departure. 

Call-In Guest:  Allison Cardona, Senior Manager of Special Events and the Shelter Outreach Program for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

• Be mindful of holiday toxins.  Lilies, pines, poinsettias, holly berries, and mistletoe are seasonal plants that can cause serous damage if ingested by pets.  Be aware of pets chewing on electrical wires and Christmas lights, icicle, tinsel, fake snow, Styrofoam, batteries, fire place salts, and cement/glues from toys.  These items are extremely toxic and can cause serious complications. 
• Bowls of water under Christmas trees are also harmful to pets.  The water can contain pine sap or fertilizer that can make them very ill.  Also, make sure all trees are secure and cannot fall onto your pet. 
• Don’t give animals leftovers.  The change disrupts their regular diet.  Be aware of candy dishes left around the house.  If accessed by pets, sweetener (found in gum, gummies, candies, etc) and chocolate can be deadly to animals. 
• Alcohol is not safe to give to pets. 
• For more winter tips and holiday items from the ASPCA, visit www.aspca.com.

Call-In Guest:  Dr. John Freeland from Asheville Equine

• Infectious diseases are a major problem for horses during winter.  Keep horses current on vaccinations and make certain that an adequate and constant water source is provided.  An insufficient water source is the primary cause for horses to develop colic in cold weather.  Horses tend to drink less water and eat more dry substance causing dehydration.  Be concerned if you notice your horse acting uncomfortable or lethargic, laying down, displaying irregular tail movements, or rolling. 
• Automatic water sources may not allow owners to notice if horses are drinking less than usual, signifying a problem.  The automatic systems can also break without warning.  Be cautious when using these systems.  Water buckets can freeze up, preventing the horse from drinking an adequate amount of water.  Pouring hot buckets of water into cold water will warm the fluid for a short amount of time.  Warming systems are also available; check daily to ensure they are always in working condition. 
• Blankets can be good for exceptional horses with low body score (weight) or other conditions.  For ordinary horses, blankets could cause dependency and negatively affect their natural system for temperature control. 
• For babies, adequate milk and feed are highly important to maintain good health.  Provide a warm place for them to get out of the weather.  However, do not make the space tight enough to cause stagnant air which could result in pneumonia. 
• Be aware of atmospheric conditions and resist taking horses out if temperatures have reached dangerous levels.  Clean out their feet to rid of mud and snow after running in winter weather.  Let the horse cool off properly and safely return to its’ former temperature prior to exercise.

Rescue of the Week: The Dachshund Rescue of East Tennessee

• 06-131: The Dachshund Rescue of East Tennessee always has homeless “Dachsies” longing to be members of a loving “forever” family.  If you desire to rescue a Dachshund or provide a temporary “foster home” for a homeless Dachshund until it is adopted, please email DachsHaven@aol.com.  To view available Dachshunds in your area or throughout the United States, visit http://dachshund-rescue.org/.