Keep pets warm in winter weather

SANDPOINT — Just as pets should be sheltered from burning summer heat, wintertime can be just as harsh on furry friends.

The cold weather is here and according the American Veterinary Medical Association, pets' cold tolerance can vary depending on their coat, body fat, activity level and health.

"It depends on the dog," said Mandy Evans, executive director of the Panhandle Animal Shelter. "What kind of breed is it? Does it have long hair or short hair? Some dogs are made for cold weather, but for the most part, weather as cold as this, it is probably better that they have shelter."

Cats also should have a warm shelter, she said. The AVMA recommends animals be kept inside during cold weather because they are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.

If pets must be outside, one thing Evans said to be conscious of is to ensure they have fresh food and water that is not frozen.

"The biggest thing is water," Evans said, adding that a heated water bowl will keep it thawed.

Bedding can get wet and freeze as well, making it uncomfortable. Bedding should be changed often to keep a warm, dry environment for pets. Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided in outdoor shelters because they pose a risk of burns or fire. The AVMA warns that heated pet mats are also capable of causing burns and should be used with caution.

In below-freezing weather, even indoor pets should not be left outside too long, especially if they have arthritis or other health issues. For dogs, their paws should be checked frequently for signs of cold-weather damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. When icy or snowy out, ice balls can form between the toes of dogs. To reduce the risk of ice balls, the AVMA says to clip the hair between each toe.

Some other recommendations by the AMVA include "playing dress-up" — putting a dog sweater or dog coat on them, especially those with short-haired animals; wipe down dogs’ feet, legs and belly to remove any deicer, antifreeze or other chemicals they may have picked up that could be toxic; collar and chip your pet because recognizable scents that would normally help the animal find its way home may be hidden in adverse weather conditions.

Evans said a few people in the community have brought animals out of the cold and into the shelter this week, as well as some efforts online to find the owners of lost animals.

"I think it speaks to what a wonderful community we have that everybody is looking out for each other," she said.