Puppy Days of Winter : Trying to keep Pets Secure , Warm

SATURDAY, Jan. 5 (HealthDay News ) -- With the arrival of winter, pet dog homeowners will need to be informed of how to keep their canine close friends cozy and safe and sound, an expert states.

"A basic rule of thumb is if it is way too cold for you outside, it is also cold for your pet dog," Susan Nelson, a medical associate professor and veterinarian at the Kansas State University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine's Pet Overall health Center, said in a university news launch.

Various variables, this kind of as dimensions, support some canines tolerate the cold superior than many others.

" Small stature and small coats, this kind of as with a Chihuahua, make pet dogs much less tolerant of chilly climate. Some of these pet dogs might not even tolerate cooler temps that are still over freezing for really lengthy," Nelson mentioned.

" Greater physique mass and extended, plusher coats allow puppies to tolerate reduce temperature ranges for a for a longer time length -- feel Siberian husky," she additional.

Supplying your pet dog sufficient time to get employed to colder temps is a good notion. Currently being uncovered to a gradual reduction in temperature will allow your pet dog to establish a protecting wintertime coat and alter to the colder conditions.

While coats, sweaters and boots can give puppies extra security, they also have some down sides, Nelson stated.

" Observe for choking hazards, such as buttons, on coats and sweaters," she advised. " Make sure they are created of breathable fabrics and that the fabric isn't going to irritate the pet. They really should only be worn when supervised as the puppy could get caught up in them. Also, if the clothing will get soaked, it can promote hypothermia that final results from chilling triggered from the body being in speak to with the cold, soaked material."

Boots can preserve snow and ice away from paws, but homeowners need to have to make convinced they match correctly, can be set on quickly and stay on, and have excellent traction, Nelson stated.

Via: Dog Days of Winter: Keeping Pets Safe, Warm