Pet Tracks
Jan Jaeger

WINTER DEEP FREEZE

I say Brrrr! Mother Nature has really been strutting her stuff this week. Now well into the new year, temperatures dipping into the lowest of the winter has everyone scrambling to keep warm. With these extremely cold temperatures, the challenge is to keep ourselves, our loved ones, which of course includes our pets, and our homes safe and comfy.

To avoid problems in cold weather requires different strategies and preparations. Even if your pet is accustomed to being outside, when the temperature gets below 30º, consider alternative housing, perhaps in a garage or basement, if the house won't do. Hopefully you have already ratcheted up their outdoor quarters with insulating straw, perhaps covering a doghouse with extra blankets to help hold in body heat or adding a flap to keep out the wind. A supply of fresh, unfrozen water is essential.

For most of us though, family pets share our living spaces. Even inside, elderly or unhealthy pets are more sensitive to lower temperatures and puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs. A cozy bed, placed away from drafts, in favorite spots where your pet likes to hang out, will provide insulation from cold floors.

Cold, damp weather can aggravate arthritis. If your pet is middle-aged or older, having difficulty getting up or down or navigating the stairs, showing distress when moving, or is overweight and displaying any of these symptoms, a trip to the vet might be in order for some pain-relieving medications.

Joint discomfort is also helped by heat and there are heating pads specifically designed for pet bed use. My bedtime routine with Junior, who has become arthritic with age, is to warm a towel in the dryer and place it over his hip area. He always lets me know how good it feels. Several premium brands of dog food incorporate glucosamine and chondroitin, the same supplements people use for joint health, in their formulas and there are also liquid and pill forms which can be given in addition to food.

Dryness in the home can cause skin reactions such as itchy, flaky skin, dry noses and throats or even upper respiratory infections. If your pets share your bedroom space, like mine do, try using a cold water humidifier at night to add moisture to the air while you sleep. Food supplements, such as fatty acids, can help enrich skin and coat. Vigorous brushing improves the skin, coat and circulation. If you bathe your pet inside, switch to a shampoo with conditioners and be sure the coat is thoroughly dry before venturing out.

Though it is really cold, if your pet is accustomed to outdoor exercise, do try to keep up with this routine. Use protective clothing for your pet, such as a warm coat or sweater, to help hold in body heat. There are many styles available, and most cover the chest and belly area which is where you want the most protection. Many are waterproof or water resistant, and are available in conventional styles or with more flair for the fashion conscious. If your pet is accustomed to vigorous exercise, you might increase its food portions to offset the increased caloric use in staying warm.

Foot coverings can help prevent damage to the paws. Sturdy booties that Velcro tightly around the ankle area can provide extra traction on icy walkways. A balloon-shaped thick rubber disposable type is an inexpensive alternative and easy to use. Condition the pads with a specifically designed pet salve or give paws a quick spritz with cooking spray before starting out in very cold weather. If your pet is prone to growing long hair between its foot pads, cutting that hair close will help prevent the formation of ice balls between the toes.

Many de-icing or ice-melting products are toxic and can irritate foot pads or cause problems if ingested. A de-icing product called Safe Paws is not harmful to your pet. During this time when your pet might be stepping on salt or other harmful chemicals, keep a container of warm water by the door so you can give your pet's feet a quick rinse and then dry before venturing further into the house.

Animals, and many of us, don't know what danger lurks under thin ice. Walk with your dog on a leash and stay off frozen ponds and icy waters, particularly as weather starts to warm and ice begins to thaw.

Leaving your pet in a car during extremely cold weather can also be dangerous. The car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold. In the garage, place all antifreeze products in a safe, pet-inaccessible location. Cats also seek warmth and might crawl beneath a just-parked car, into the still warm areas of wheel wells or engine compartment. If you have cats on the loose, bang on the hood before starting your car.

Every season has its joys and hazards. Stay

warm, stay safe. I

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop and is a member of Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America (DWAA and CWA).. Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and three cats. At the shop are the cats, Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower Bunny, Willie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.