Welcome to the Woozle-Pootie Diary for Monday, November 8th.
Topic today - Winter Safety
Even though this is a serious topic, there are lots of LOL pics about winter.
The Pootie-Woozle Diaries are politics free zones, meant for relaxing and unwinding for a few minutes, before going back to the serious political stuff.
Feel free to add your own photos and comments. Pet care and concern comments are always allowed, of course, but otherwise, please keep it lighthearted and friendly. Thanks!
I posted a similar diary about this time last year. This is an updated and expanded version of that diary. Since we have had frost in our area at least twice in the last week, it seems to be a good time for a repeat.
WINTER SAFETY
This information may be a review to some of the P-W people, but, hopefully, there will also be a nugget or two of new information for you. Please add any additional information you may wish to share with the Pootie-Woozle people. Wildlife section is new this year.
General Winter Safety for Animals
• Be sure that your pet(s) are current on vaccinations, medications and other health care. A healthy pet will tolerate winter stress much better than an unhealthy one.
• When an incident happens, talk with your veterinarian or call poison control,* depending on the situation.
• Also, bring all pets indoors when the temperature is extremely low. Please note that wind-chill can threaten a pet's life, no matter what the temperature. Even using, as a temporary shelter from the cold, blankets in a garage or basement is better than outside exposed to the elements.
* If you do not have a local Poison Control Center available, here is the Poison Control information available from ASPCA. They have both a phone number and a very informative web site.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:
We are your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
Web Site: http://www.aspca.org/...
Poison Control Hotlines, per the PACC911 site. http://www.pacc911.org/...
This site has an extensive list of items poisonous to animals, including foods, plants, human medications and more. The list also includes, with each item, common symptoms your animal may exhibit.
NOTE: Before you call your vet or a poison control number you should have this information ready:
Time your pet was exposed to the possible poisonous substance.
What was ingested, and if known, manufacturer and ingredients of substance.
Symptoms animal is exhibiting, if any.
Credit Card may be needed for some of the poison control lines.
Here are a few numbers listed at the PACC911 site:
ASPCA Ani-Med 1.888.721.9100
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24 hrs) 1.888.426.4435
Kansas State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital 1.785.532.5679
FREE 24 hours poison control hotline for pet owners and veterinarians. Be patient.
Tuft University School of Veterinary Medicine 508.839.5395
First Aid for DOGS With Frostbite and Hypothermia
http://www.suite101.com/...
Either of these conditions can be very serious. Take the dog directly to the vet, if possible. If you must treat the dog at home, please read the whole article. Here are a couple of excerpts from the article:
• Frostbite
Frostbitten areas should be warmed using moist compresses of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit or immersions in warm water and then gently patted dry with a towel. Do not use hot water and do not scrub or apply pressure.
• Hypothermia
If the dog is conscious, first aid includes warming slowly in a warm room using warm blankets from the dryer, warm water bottles wrapped in a towel, heating pad on low setting, or hair dryer on low setting. It’s important to protect against burns and be careful of overheating but do not allow the dog to become cold again as this can cause even greater injury.
Please Note: When using a hot water bottle, an electric blanket, or similar type of heating method, always wrap the bottle or blanket in fabric so that the heat source does not come in direct contact with the skin. The skin can burn, just like human skin, when the heat source is directly on the skin.
Food and Water
• Many indoor animals are less active during the winter, and don't need as many calories as in the warmer months. Reduce your indoor pets' diets during the winter, to avoid excessive weight gain. If you are not sure about winter diet for your pets, consult with your veterinarian.
• Pets that spend extra time outdoors need more calories in the winter to produce body heat. Again, if you have any questions ask your veterinarian what amount to feed your pets. The more your pet is outside, the more extra fuel needed.
• Be sure your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink. Pets loss of moisture through breathing and the effects of cold temperatures are magnified by dehydration.
• Check outdoor water bowls frequently and refill the bowl or break the ice if they freeze over. Heated bowls are available at pet stores and online.
• Here is a site that has a brief article that discusses various features of heated bowls:
http://www.pet-comfort-products.com/...
Chemicals and other Toxic items
► Antifreeze
• Pets are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, a deadly poison.
• When ingested, even a small amount of this substance destroys the animal’s kidneys. Early signs of antifreeze poisoning include disorientation and stupor, followed by coma and death. Lock up antifreeze containers and clean up spills immediately.
• See your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has been exposed to antifreeze.
► Salt and De-icers
• If you walk your dog on sidewalks that have been treated with salt or other de-icer, make sure to wash the dog’s paws when you get home; these chemicals can irritate the skin.
• Also, the irritation caused by these chemicals may also cause pets to lick their paws, which means they will ingest toxic chemicals.
• Wipe and/or wash the paws thoroughly when you bring your pet indoors.
Exercise
• The dogs still need exercise, but possibly at a reduced level, depending on the temperature.
Holiday items – plants, decorations, etc.
• These items fall in to three general toxicity categories: low, moderate and high. Many of the items listed here are common items used year-around. For example, frayed light cords, which can cause shock or burns.
• In the Low toxicity category: poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); Christmas tree preservatives; snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue; Styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints.
• Items that are Moderately toxic are: fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement .
Falling into the Moderate to high toxicity category are: holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (contain methylene chloride); snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark chocolate is more toxic than milk).
• The items in the Highly toxic category are: mistletoe (especially berries); epoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, but some of the symptoms can be severe. It can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract. Christmas tree preservatives vary and effects depend upon the amount ingested and the size of the animal that ingested it. Tinsel, Styrofoam, small parts from Christmas tree ornaments and toys can cause mechanical obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract or perforate the stomach. Snow flock can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled. Chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet.
• Antifreeze deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets.
• Many of the problems that these things cause are quite painful for the pets in addition to the danger.
Most of the items in the above section were found at http://vet.website2go.com/...
POOTIES
If possible, keep your cat inside. Outdoors, pooties can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
Holiday safety, especially for cats
• Mistletoe and artificial snow are poisonous. Christmas ornament fragments can perforate the stomach.
If swallowed, string, ribbon, and tinsel may cause painful intestinal problems. Frayed light cords cause shock or burns.
Cold and Snow
• Check on your animal. Do not leave an indoor animal unattended when outdoors. Pets that get too chilled can develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite. Check for signs of hypothermia or frost bite after long periods outdoors. Frostbitten skin is red or gray in color. To thaw out frostbitten areas of skin, apply warm, moist towels slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care.
• Fortunately, many local TV and radio stations give severe temperature warnings to the public and recommend when bringing pets indoors is necessary.
• Short-coated dogs (Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boxers and Boston Terriers) should not go outside without a coat or sweater in very cold weather, except to relieve themselves. Small dogs with short coats (Chihuahuas, miniature Pinschers, and miniature Dachshunds) are especially vulnerable to cold, and may not be able to tolerate any outdoor exercise in extremely cold weather.
Paws - Frostbite and snow removal chemicals
• As mentioned above, snow and salt should be removed from pets paws immediately.
• Dogs with long fur on the bottom of their paws often develop ice balls between the pads and toes of the feet. A method to prevent ice balls from forming is to trim the hair around your dog's feet. Another thing that will help is applying a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil, or PAM spray to your dog's feet before that walk in snow. The oil helps prevent ice balls from sticking. Be sure you use edible oil. As you know, dogs will lick their paws.
Winter Grooming
• Maintain Grooming - Brush the animals' coats frequently to prevent moisture from collecting.
• If you normally cut the animal's hair somewhat short, allow it to grow longer during the winter. In cold, snowy climates the extra protection is especially needed.
• Snow can get lodged between dogs' toes and freeze, causing pain and discomfort. As mentioned above, trim the hair between the toes.
• Keep the nails cut short to make it easier for dogs to walk in icy areas and to prevent accidents, because long toenails can cause the dog to slide and fall.
• Be careful of roadways that have been salted, and as noted earlier, wash dogs' paws after the walk. Part of the problem with salt is that it has a drying effect and can irritate the paws.
Outdoor and In & Out pets
Domestic pets, have learned that a human will come to their rescue, even when the pet doesn't know it needs rescuing. A common belief is that animals are instinctively aware of risks to their health and safety. That theory may be true for wild animals who depend solely on their instincts for survival, but not for pets that have become dependent on humans.
► Water
• Water remains an important issue in extremely cold weather. It can freeze within an hour outside when the temperatures drop below freezing. Many pet stores have heated bowls for water and food. Plastic tends to be the best, and deeper bowls usually retain fresh water longer before freezing occurs.
► Clothing
• If it is extraordinarily cold, animal coats or sweaters can help. Clothing items can be purchased in many pet stores and online. There are different styles and varieties that would be sure to suit your furry companion (and your taste).
• Remember to remove any pet clothing in the house, because the pet may become too hot. Panting would likely be the symptom you would notice for overheating in the house.
• There are also boots available for animals, but they can be difficult to keep on.
► Shelter
• Outdoor dogs should have a warm, dry doghouse. The doghouse should be in an area protected from the wind, rain, and snow, especially the entrance of the doghouse. Some sources recommend straw or blankets, other sources discourage using blankets outside. The reason for the second opinion is because blankets tend to get wet and freeze.
• Many pet stores carry heated floor mats and warm bedding. A thick layer of straw or hay can also be a good insulator, helping the animal keep in their body heat.
• If your pet spends most of the time outdoors, take extra precautions for his or her shelter. Although the best method of protection for most dogs is to keep them indoors in cold weather, a dry, draft-free shelter can be used for outdoor type dogs. If your dog is housed outside, take extra care to make certain he is comfortable and can get into and out of his housing easily. Keep in mind that a dog house that is too large will not retain enough heat.
• There should be a designated area where your dog can come inside to warm up. Even a garage will help in most situations. Inside the house, a specific, confined area, such as a laundry room is a location that might work well for animals that don't normally come inside. Remember, this is a dog that has had little experience being in the house.
Other Dangers
• Vehicles - In addition to the dangers of moving vehicles, small animals especially cats, also other household pets or wildlife may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. If your vehicle is left outside, or otherwise accessible to animals, be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and/or honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside. Banging loudly on the hood before you start the car is and often used method to dislodge any creature sleeping there. This banging or honking step, before you start your vehicle, is very important, because an animal can be seriously injured or killed by the fan belt or other unpleasant incident.
• Existing Ailments/Problems - Be mindful of existing pet ailments that could be exacerbated by the cold.
Cold, damp weather aggravates existing conditions in pets, such as arthritis, especially in older or overweight animals. Pet stores and veterinarians can provide natural and medicinal treatments for a number of conditions. Since arthritis pain may be worse during cold and damp weather, special care suggestions to heed are: handle your pet especially gently, be wary of icy walks, provide soft bedding (out of drafty areas), and give any necessary medications. It almost goes without saying, but if your pet’s arthritis, or any other condition, worsens during the winter see your vet.
If all else fails, migrate south for the winter.
• Heat sources - Never use a space heater, heat lamp, or other device not approved for use with animals. This can be a burn hazard for the animal, as well as a fire hazard for the household.
This is not recommended!
WILDLIFE
http://www.hsus.org/...
• Protect Your Home
Ten suggestions for winterizing your house to avoid unwanted animals inside including chimney areas, roofs, attics, basements.
• Wildlife Food, Shelter and water
http://www.hsus.org/...
Help wildlife survive the winter. Article includes suggestions, such as, leave garden cleaning until spring to provide food and shelter for the wildlife.
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Here is another site with quick, daily clicks to help animals and habitats, the environment and humans.
http://www.care2.com/...
Please note:
The Breast Cancer part of the Animal Rescue site is getting double value from your clicks. If you have not yet stopped by today, please do so. Thanks.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/...
Credits and Thanks
Many thanks to icanhascheezburger.com, source of the LOLpics.
These are the sites used while researching for this diary:
http://vet.website2go.com/...
http://seniorliving.about.com/...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/...
http://www.i-pets.com/...
http://www.invisiblefence.com/...
http://www.aspca.org/...
http://www.hsus.org/...
http://www.pacc911.org/...
http://www.suite101.com/...
http://www.suite101.com/...
♥ ♥ Special thanks to all the Pootie-Woozle people for all they do to make this world a better place. ♥ ♥
Here is another site with quick, daily clicks to help animals and habitats, the environment and humans.
http://www.care2.com/...
Please note:
The Breast Cancer part of The Animal Rescue site is getting double value from your clicks. If you have not yet stopped by today, please do so. Thanks. Link directly to The Breast Cancer site, in case you need it.
Visit sites below to donate food to animal shelters at no cost to you.
Kibble buttons coded by BirderWitch