Protecting Your Pet From The Weather

These last few years we have seen drastic and unseasonably warm and cold weather. As these weather trends continue to happen, now would be a great time to refresh on how to best keep your furry friend safe and protected with the ever-changing weather conditions. 

First and foremost, your pet should have their wellness exam. It is recommended to have a yearly checkup. This will help ensure their continued good health through the seasons.

Many people believe because of their fur that pets are more tolerant of the cold, this is untrue. Pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite as their human counterparts are.  This is why it is important to understand your pet’s ability to tolerate the cold. Pets with shorter hair and thinner coats will feel the cold much quicker, whereas pets with longer and thicker coats may be able to tolerate the cold better, but they too can still be affected. A jacket/coat is a great option for pets as well. Depending on your local climate you may want to consider shortening the length of the walks you take with your pet too.

Summer heat can be just as dangerous, as pets can suffer heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms include panting heavily, lethargy, drooling, vomiting and collapse. If you plan to take them outdoors try to walk them early morning or in the evening. Avoid hot sidewalks and blacktop to keep their paws from burning. Utilize shade when you can to help them stay out of direct sunlight and stay cooler. Ensure they stay hydrated too by having water with you during your walks. 

As weather can greatly vary depending on your geographic location, so will your approach to protecting your pet. We want to help ensure the safety of your furry friends and hope you find these tips useful!

How to Keep Pets Healthy Through Winter Storms

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It has been a cold week.  Now that we have our first real winter storm on it's way this weekend,  pet owners should make sure that they are prepared.  It's important that we know how to keep our pets safe and warm!

These tips will help keep your pets healthy on cold days and keep them protected against winter dangers.  

Cold Weather Safety Tips:

Wipe Down Their Paws

If your pet will be spending any time outdoors this winter, be sure to check their paws when they come back inside.  They may pick up deicers or antifreeze on the bottom of their feet.  Wiping down their paws will help keep your pet from licking these toxic chemicals when they come back indoors.

Keep Pets Inside

Even outdoor pets should come inside on particularly cold days.  Although longer-haired dog breeds are more tolerant of colder weather, pets shouldn't be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.

Know Their Limits

Cold tolerance varies from pet to pet.  Be aware of your dog or cat's cold tolerance.  While long-haired, thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold tolerant, they are still at risk in cold weather.  Keep your pet's coat, health issues (diabetes, kidney disease, etc.), and age in mind when considering their temperature limits.

Stock Up on Supplies

If you know that a snow storm is coming, don't forget about your pets!  Make sure that you have enough food, water and medicine to get through the snow storm.

Schedule a Wellness Exam

Many health problems, like arthritis, can be exacerbated by colder weather.  Pet owners should schedule preventative wellness exams once a year.  Doing so in the winter is a good way to make sure that your pet is as healthy as possible for the cold weather.

If you have any questions about how to keep your pets safe and healthy and this winter, contact one of our offices below:

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

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How Can You Keep Your Pets Warm in the Snow?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It looks like we are going to be getting more snow this week.  Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe and warm on snowy days.

Cold Weather Pet Safety:

• Bring Pets Inside - Freezing temperatures can be dangerous to even the most cold-tolerant breeds of pets.  If the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (which is more common than not lately!) it's important that you bring your pets indoors.  Short-haired pets should come inside any time the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Provide Plenty of Water - Make sure that your pets are staying hydrated on cold days.  Make sure that their water bowl doesn't freeze and replenish the water frequently.  Lack of water can lead to dehydration.
• Keep Anti-Freeze Out-of-Reach - Antifreeze is a common pet poison during the winter months.  If you spill antifreeze, dilute the area well and try to cover up the area to protect your pets.
• Wipe Pet Paws Down - Ice melts contain chemicals that can cause blistering on your pet's paws.  It's dangerous for them to ingest, too!  Wipe down your pet's paws before they come indoors to keep them from licking ice melt off their feet.

Check out this article for more tips on how to keep your pets warm on snowy and icy days.  You can also contact one of our offices if you have any questions about how to keep your pets healthy this winter.

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Cold Weather Tips for Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

With a winter storm hitting Long Island today, and another one scheduled to sweep the area this weekend, there is no better time to brush up on your pet safety tips. We want to ensure your furry friends are safe from the cold winter weather. It’s important to remember that with the extremes of winter weather come unique dangers and concerns for our pets.

So, how exactly can a pet owner best prepare for the snowstorm? Here are a few tips, courtesy of the Nassau County SPCA.

Bring your pets indoors – At a first sign of a storm you should always bring any outdoor pets indoors to keep them warm.

Keep your dog on leash – More dogs get lost in winter than any other season because it’s so easy for them to lose their sense and perspective during a snowstorm. Keep them on a leash or go to a fenced-in dog area.

Ice, salt and snow – If you pet has to go out in this snowstorm, have them wear a coat or boots to cover their paws. Outside your pet can step in all sorts of things including snow, salt, sleet or mud. Booties will keep their paws dry and will cut down any infections they might catch outside.

Food and medicine – Have a supply of pet food and medicine before it gets too dangerous to travel. Keep emergency pet kits ready incase something worst happens.

The Nassau County SPCA’s main rule is “if the conditions outside are unsafe for humans, they too are also unsafe for pets!” We agree! Let us know how you keep your pets safe during the winter on our Facebook page.

How To Keep Pets Safe from Cold Winter Weather!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

With winter being well underway, pet owners need to be aware of low temperatures and the safety of their pets!

When contemplating keeping your pets outside, the general rule of thumb is if it’s too cold for you outside, then it’s also too cold for your pets.  Some pets are affected more than others when it comes to the low temperatures.

Susan Nelson, a clinical associate professor and veterinarian at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Pet Health Center offered some insight on pet size and cool temperatures.

“Small stature and short coats, such as with a Chihuahua, make dogs less tolerant of cold weather. Some of these dogs may not even tolerate cooler temperatures that are still above freezing for very long.” 

Nelson added, “Larger body mass and longer, plusher coats allow dogs to tolerate lower temperatures for a longer duration – think Siberian husky.”

This winter, be sure to keep a close eye on your furry friends and keep them safe from cold winter weather! Do you have any tips that help you to keep your pets safe and warm? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE!