Ward off frostbite in pets during the polar vortex

The polar vortex the country has been enduring this week is no joke. And while you know that you will need to bundle up your head, face, and extremities if you are unfortunate enough to have to go outside, have you considered how your pets will stay warm?

Veterinarians are reminding pet owners to take precautions against frostbite in pets. A necessary reminder, especially for those pet owners with outdoor cats and dogs.

Don’t leave your pets out in the cold. From OakleyOriginals.

Keep pets indoors

It should go without saying that pets need to be brought inside when temperatures dip this low, but if this is not a possibility, ensure that there is proper bedding in the dog house (straw serves as a good insulator), or make space for pets in the garage. Water and food should be placed in an area shielded from wind, and pet owners should check it often to make sure it doesn’t freeze.

“If you provide that, at the minimum, [pets] will probably be OK,” veterinarian Scott Yancey told the Marion Star.

However, according to the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team, dogs and cats should not be left outside when temperatures dip below 40 degrees.

Inside the house, mats can help keep floors clean from any snow or mud your pet may track in, though dogs should not be kept outdoors for longer than 20 minutes at a time (and we’re sure long, leisurely walks won’t be first on owners’ lists of priorities either).

If pets can’t come inside, make sure they have their own well-insulated shelter. From Cristian Bortes.

How to check for frostbite

While the Marion, Ohio-based veterinarian admitted he hadn’t seen frostbite for many years, it is important to check your pet’s paw pads for frostbite. If the pad is hard, cold, and sensitive to the touch, the animal may have frostbite. Note that pets can also get frostbite on their ears and tails.

Snow, ice, and salt on the ground also make cuts to paw pads more likely. Wipe your dog’s feet after a walk to remove snow and salt deposits.

If you do see that your pet is having an adverse reaction to the cold, which, according to the Pennsylvania Animal Response Team, may include shivering, lethargy, low heart rate, and unresponsiveness, take action. Bring the animal to a warm area, cover him with a light blanket, and call your vet.

If you see a pet that looks as though it has been left outside for an extended period of time, call your local chapter of the ASPCA.

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