It has certainly felt like spring, however it is February and temperatures plan to dip low tonight. There are several dangers of warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but cold weather poses serious threats to our pets as well.
Cold weather can worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis, so make sure your senior pets are protected. It is best to know your pet's limits. Some may need shorter walks to limit the time of exposure. Others such as seniors may have difficulty walking on snow and ice. Shorter haired pets feel cold faster because they have less protection while short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies are more likely to touch the cold snowy ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing's) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature making them more susceptible to temperature extremes.
As a general safety rule cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It is a common misconception that pets are more resistant than people to cold weather due to their fur, but they are just as like to get frostbite and hypothermia as we are. Certain breeds such as huskies have longer thicker coats and are more tolerant of cold weather, but they should still not be kept outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.
Stay inside and stay warm!
Kara keeping warm with her pugs!