May Stewart of Mendota walks Tank, a Jack Russell Terrier, near Blackstone Park on a cold, snowy day, Dec. 29. The weather turned even more numbing through the weekend and for the start of the new year. (Reporter photo by Jennifer Sommer)

MENDOTA – The new year rang in with a blast of cold temperatures that kept many people bundled up indoors. But not all pets have the same option. Whether your pet normally spends a lot of time outdoors, is used to daily walks or just goes outside to relieve themselves, the recent below zero temperatures are reason to heed caution.

Just because your pet sports a fur coat does not mean he’s protected from all the potential hazards of winter. Dr. Gary Brummet, a primary care clinician at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, advises pet owners to pay attention to their pet’s behavior to keep the pet comfortable in cold weather.

“Thick-coated breeds may love it outside and willingly stay out for extended periods,” says Dr. Brummet, “but, especially if you have a small, short-coated dog, watch for shivering. Also, watch to see if your dog comes when called; reluctance to move may be a sign of being too cold.”

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) asks, “Has your pet had his preventive care exam/wellness exam yet?”

Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it is as good a time as any to get your pet checked out to make sure he is ready and as healthy as possible for cold weather.

Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes.

The AVMA also advises, if your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, moving slow, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get him back inside quickly because he is showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Cold weather protection

What about all the doggie winter gear on the market? What is for show, and what is really necessary?

“If you like to take your dog on long walks for an hour or more, simple boots and coats can be great, especially in breeds without much body fat or fur, such as greyhounds,” Dr. Brummet says.

Make sure you have several on hand so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder.

“However, if it is bitter cold, you may want to limit your outdoor activities to 30 minutes regardless of clothing,” he adds.

According to Dr. Brummet, a good rule of thumb is: “If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet.”

Two important warnings: 1. Many pets become lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find his way back home. Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it is critical that you keep the registration up to date.

2. Hot cars are a known threat to pets, but cold cars also pose significant risk to your pet's health. A car can quickly cool down in cold weather; it becomes like a refrigerator, and can rapidly chill your pet. Pets that are young, old, ill, or thin are particularly susceptible to cold environments and should never be left in cold cars. Limit car travel to only that which is necessary, and don't leave your pet unattended in the vehicle.

When you can, keep your pet indoors. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy pet bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Another thing to keep in mind is that indoor dogs may actually shed during cold weather. Furnace heat is very low humidity, which can increase dry skin and shedding.

“Try not to bathe them more than necessary, and use conditioner instead of soap to help moisturize the skin,” Dr. Brummet says.

If you have an outdoor dog you must ensure that he has access to water. You may need to check several times a day to see that the water is not frozen.

Outside dogs also need good shelter. “Small spaces will hold more heat. The shelter should be out of the wind, should have a small door that your dog can get in, and should be just large enough for the dog to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably. But keep an eye on the thermometer, and consider bringing the pet into a garage or other insulated or heated structure when temperatures drop well below freezing,” says Dr. Brummet.

Post-walk paw-wiping

Salt and deicer on sidewalks pose another type of winter hazard. Dr. Brummet says pets occasionally licking these substances from their paws is of little concern, but if they get into a large amount or start acting strangely, a call to your veterinarian is in order.

“When you get home from your outing, wipe your pet’s paws off with warm water, because salt and deicer on sidewalks can be irritating. However, you do not need to apply topical medications or lotions, because dogs generally will just lick this off,” he says.

However, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) suggests that massaging petroleum jelly into your pet’s paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt. They also recommend using pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.

You also may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog's toes.

Cold cat concerns

Cats, too, are best kept in the house. But barn cats or neighborhood strays that cannot or do not want to be brought inside need access to a safe shelter out of the cold.

“They are really good at finding shelter themselves. Unfortunately, sometimes this is in the underside of a warm car,” Dr. Brummet warns.

Take care to make noise and check for cats before you start your engine and drive away in winter. Honking the horn before you start the engine can help encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood.

“If you have indoor cats that insist on going outside, watch for them and make sure you are available to let them back in,” Dr. Brummet recommends. Odds are they may change their minds fairly quickly.

The bottom line is to stay in tune with pets’ comfort level in cold weather. They will let you know what they need and what they do not like.

If you have questions about pets and cold weather, ask your local veterinarian.