Pets Risk Sickness In Extended Cold Snap

Our current cold snap can pose unexpected dangers to your pets, veterinarians urging owners to take extra precautions.

Copeland Veterinary Hospital’s Kristen Gunnels said excessive time outdoors can lead to breathing issues and in severe cases, hypothermia. She also said that the ice your pet licks off the ground contains harmful chemicals, including salt. She said melted ice is not filtered which can cause burns and skin irritation when pets walk on it.

“You may not think about it but you know, if that ice melts and forms an icicle off the deck or off the roof, it can have some chemicals and things like that in it,” Gunnels said. “Ingesting that can be very dangerous, but also walking on those any kind of snow or ice that has potentially had some type of chemical in or around it.”

Gunnels said that signs of distress in pets during cold weather and ice include shaking, not being able to stand, and fast breathing. Gunnels also said to remember that pets are more like loveable toddlers and it is up to the owner to take the necessary precautions for their pet.

Gunnels said leaving a pet in the car is the same as leaving them outside, which will also result in hypothermia.

“To keep them at a healthy body temperature,” Gunnels said. “And keep them from potentially causing major issue where they’re really getting hypothermic or something like that, you know, discouraging that type of behavior would be much preferred.”

Gunnels said that cold weather can dry out pets’ skin. Gunnels said that pet owners should avoid frequent baths and consider using a humidifier to help with skin dryness. Gunnels also said that just like the chemicals in ice and snow, pets’ fur can also collect harmful chemicals.

“Whenever you come inside your warm house after being outside, take a damp rag and wash and dry your pets feet,” Gunnels said. “Make sure you’re getting any ice that’s stuck to there fur or snowballs that are stuck in their fur.”