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Outdoor animals require care in sub-zero temps
Published 12:00pm Wednesday, February 7, 2007Just as people use common sense when protecting themselves against sub-zero temperatures, so they should apply the same precautions regarding their animals, a local Extension educator said.
“A lot of it’s just common sense,” Vince Crary, Otter Tail County Extension educator, said. “Actually, (farm) animals are outdoor animals and they do just fine outside as long as they can get out of the wind and have plenty of feed and water. The energy needs of animals go up when its cold, so it’s important to increase the amount of energy (feeds such as corn) going into their food rations. If there are pregnant animals, make sure the young ones are not born outside where they could get frostbite or freeze their ears and tail.”
A little extra observation is also important during cold weather; like humans, walking on ice can be difficult for animals and if they slip, they can pull a muscle or get hurt.
“Most of our ag producers take very good care of their animals because that is their livelihood,” Crary said.
Cats and dogs are not as hearty as cows and horses, so the University of Minnesota Extension offers these cold weather tips for house pets:
Most pets spend time indoors and don’t have tolerance for extremely cold weather. Do not leave pets outdoors unattended when temperatures get below freezing. Pets must build up a thicker coat and get their footpads toughened for snow and ice. Pets that get too cold could develop hypothermia or frostbite. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite.
Dogs with short coats have the least tolerance for cold. Extremely short-coated breeds include Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boxers, Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas. These breeds shouldn’t go outside without a sweater or a coat. Small dogs with short coats, such as Chihuahuas, miniature Pinschers and miniature Dachshunds, are especially vulnerable to cold. They may not tolerate any outdoor exercise in extremely cold weather.
Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up its paws, whines or stops during walks, its feet are uncomfortably cold. Be sure to get your dog used to wearing boots before cold weather sets in.
Formation of ice balls between the pads and toes of the paws, especially in dogs with long fur, is another problem. Once ice balls form, they are very painful, much like walking on rocks. When dogs get these, they often whine, stop walking and start chewing at the bottoms of their feet. To prevent ice balls, trim hair around the dog’s paws. Apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil or PAM spray to your dog’s feet before taking him for a walk. Make sure you use oil that can be eaten, as most dogs lick their paws.
If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash its paws after a walk; salt is irritating to footpads. Many dogs whine and bite at their feet after just a few steps on salted roads. Wash the bottom of the paws to remove the salt as soon as your dog is off the road.
Outdoor pets need a sheltered place that is well bedded with dry straw, shavings, blankets or other insulating material that traps warm air. Animals drag moisture into their bedding areas from snow, rain and mud. Check it often and change it when it gets wet.
Most cats prefer to spend winter indoors. If your cat likes being outside, don’t let it out in bitterly cold weather and be sure it has a warm place to go if it spends a lot of time outside. Cats left outside often crawl into a warm car engine. When the engine is started, the cat can be seriously injured or killed by the fan blade or belt.
