It’s cold. Here’s how to keep your pet warm

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — Temperatures officially hit the single digits Wednesday, so it’s important to remember that this weather poses a serious threat to your pet’s health.

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather, thanks to Kentucky Emergency Management:

Winter Wellness

Cold weather can worsen some medical conditions. Make sure your pet is up-to-date with wellness exams.

Know the Limits

Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary based on their coat, body fat, activity level and health. For more animals, you should shorten their walks and be sure to protect them from the elements, like utilizing coats and boots.

Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or hormonal imbalances may have a harder time regulating their body temperature. They may be more susceptible to problems from extreme temperatures. The same goes for very young and very old pets.

Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground.

Provide Choices

Pets prefer sleeping in comfortable places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place.

Stay Inside

Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s untrue.

Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather, but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.

Food, safety and more

Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in the wintertime. Feeding your pet a little more during the cold weather can provide much-needed calories. Also, ensure your pet has plenty of water to drink to keep them well-hydrated and make their skin less dry.

If your dog is outdoors much of the day for any reason, they must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to move comfortably but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches from the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make sure the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Rock salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.

If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

And lastly, if you park your car outdoors in cold weather, remember that stray dogs, cats, rabbits, raccoons and other small animals will seek shelter in a car’s engine compartment to escape the cold. It’s always a good idea to tap on the hood of your car before starting up to give any animal a chance to run away before you start the vehicle.

For more cold-weather tips, head here: bereadylexington.com.