Brrrr, Baby It's Cold Outside. Sharing ASPCA Cold Weather Tips for Pet Safety

Cold, snow and 4-foot icicles!

The Northeast and New England has been hammered with what the media is referring to as a "biblical" number of snowstorms, blizzards, and hurricane-like winds, and record-breaking bitter cold temperatures in a decade! We are currently under more than two feet of snow, with another storm on its way this upcoming week. The temperatures have plummeted to below zero, with up to 35 mph winds, and  dangerous wind chills-tonight alone it's 4℉, but, with the bitter Arctic-like winds, registering -20℉ - -30℉!

If your dogs can go out in the yard and free run, please keep a watch on them that they are not left out too long in case you get distracted by the phone, text, or TV show. Also, be sure to have their collars and tags on in case they escape. With snow, it's much more difficult for them to find their way home. Be sure their microchip info is up-to-date as well. 

Even though we have "snow dogs" - Siberian Huskies, this is not the weather we are used to and  dogs should not be let out for any extended length of time due to the critical conditions. Now we're not talking about Arctic sled dogs, we're talking about our home pets who go out for fun and exercise, but live primarily in the warm home. Even with Siberian Huskies, who love and can tolerate the cold more than other breeds, when they want to come in you know it's cold!

When going outside, there are some precautions that we take. We use a paw protection natural oil spray to prevent ice balls from building up in between the paw pads and help repel ice, snow, and any salt (we use a pet-friendly "non-salt"). 

There are also booties and coats for thinner fur breeds. One of our Huskies, Chloe, we lovingly refer to as a "tropical Husky" due to a very thin to almost non-existent undercoat, we will put a coat on her when it's really cold or inclement weather when she goes out for her walks. 

"I'm a Husky and I wear a coat."

We also keep ramps and walkways clear not just for the humans in the family, but for the Sibe kids as well so they don't slip and fall. We use a mix of sand and pet-friendly ice melter. With so much snowfall this year, the yard is buried so with a snowblower a "racetrack" path has been made around the property so the pups have a flat, firm area to walk or run around if the surrounding snow becomes too frozen to play or walk in.

You may be tempted to continue your dog's bath schedule, but it is suggested to put a hold on it or maybe even just opt for a dry bath or a touch up with bath wipes during the extreme cold to prevent  your dog from getting a chill (if he is not dried thoroughly) and at the very least, to help not dry out his skin. We all know how the cold and being inside dries out our skin and hair...it can do the same to your pet's.

We also have adopted a feral cat and have wrapped a small airline crate with waterproof material, filled with hay, straw, and a bed, tucked it behind shrubs right up against our house under and eave. We also keep water (remember it freezes in the winter), treats, and food available. And always start up your vehicles with caution, giving a loud tap or two on the hood, as cats and other small animals could be making a home under the hood to keep warm and out of the elements.

And please...if you see a dog outside or left in a car that you believe is in danger from the freezing cold elements, contact your local animal control, SPCA, or law enforcement agency for assistance. 

For more cold weather tips, visits the ASPCA Tip Sheet HERE.

How our FiveSibes beat the cold:

Snuggle up, stay safe, and be warm!