Nooksack Animal Hospital 302 W. Columbia St.- P.O. Box 4240 Nooksack, WA 98276 (360)966-3207 phone (360)966-3863 fax pets@nooksackanimalhospital.com

Equine Health Tips - Click Here New Bovine Articles - Click Here Fat Cats Article by Dr. Feringer- Click Here Dental Health is Important - Click Here Cold Weather Tips Cold weather means it’s time to give special attention to pets and livestock, both inside and outdoors. Here are some important tips for maintaining an animal’s comfort and well-being through the winter: When the temperatures reach sub-zero, it’s time to give the outdoor cat and dog a break and invite them in, even if it’s in the garage. This goes for all cats and dogs including Northern breeds like Siberian huskies or Malamutes unless they have been acclimated to the cold. “Inside,” that doesn’t mean letting dogs and cats in and out of a warm house. Abrupt temperature contrasts can increase the risk of some infectious diseases. Consider housing animals in the shelter of a well-built doghouse or bringing them into a tool shed or garage. When taking an inside animal out to go potty, stay out with them. If it’s cold enough to go inside, it probably is too cold for the pet to stay out much longer as well. When pets come in from outside, wipe their paws and underside, making certain there are no ice balls clinging between the toes or on the sole of the foot. They can cause frostbite to an animal that is left outside for a significant time in sub-zero temperatures. For outside dogs, make certain its shelter is clean, dry and well insulated with straw, wood shavings, or a blanket. Animals drag a lot of moisture onto their bedding from every trip outside in the snow. Plan on changing the bedding as frequently as necessary or simply placing cloth bedding in the dryer for a warm-up. Equally critical, position the opening, which should have a door flap, away from the direction in which snow and wind usually comes. Outdoor cats will seek warmth and sometimes this includes near or on a car engine. When the car is started, they can be seriously injured or killed. Before starting the engine, rap on the hood a couple of times to chase them off from beneath the hood. Pets that move about on sidewalks, driveways or streets run the risk of picking up rock salt, ice and other chemicals in their food pads. Each time they are brought in, make certain to wipe all four feet thoroughly. There is a tendency for them to lick the chemical off their feet, which can cause an inflammation of the digestive tract. Keep a close eye on your pet’s outside water. If it is not heated, it will need to be changed several times daily when temperatures dip far below freezing. Ice is not a substitute for clean water. Pet stores sell heated bowls, which can prevent water freezing. Animals should always have a clean, abundant source of water in any weather. For short-coated breeds like greyhounds, Boston terriers, and Chihuahuas, they might benefit from a protective sweater before taking them outside. They will still become chilled quickly after leaving a 72-degree house and walking onto single-digit-temperature turf. Also realize, sweaters are not a substitute for shelter. They can get wet and actually remove more heat from an animal than they conserve. Be particularly careful when escorting elderly, arthritic pets outside. They will become stiff and tender quickly and may find it difficult to move about in the snow or ice. Keep them tethered tightly to your side if the route to the yard is icy. A bad slip can cause a ruptured spinal disc, broken leg or other major injuries. If a pond or lake is nearby, don’t allow pets or livestock to run loose without some forethought on your part. They may head for thin ice and fall through, especially if they are not familiar with icy ponds. It is very difficult to escape these watery hazards and equally challenging for you to reach the site safely. Nutrition is a particularly important concern. Outdoor pets require more calories in the winter to generate energy to ward off the cold. As a result, add 10 to 15 percent more to its daily diet to allow it to meet those needs. Another way to meet cold weather calorie requirements is by adding some fats to their regular ration. Be careful though, fats can lead to diarrhea and dehydration if too much is added. Horses and other livestock need a windbreak, cover, warm bedding, abundant high-quality feed, and fresh water, too. Cold weather alone won’t make healthy horses ill. But if exposed to soaking rains, snow and wind they run the risk of catching pneumonia. Bedding like thick layers of straw of shavings is critical, since it will keep the animals off the cold, wet ground. Like pet shelters, the open side of any livestock enclosure should be faced be away from prevailing winds. Again, water must be heated or changed several times daily. A reduction in water intake and the resulting dehydration in horses can trigger colic. Copied from Washington State Veterinary Medical Association GOOD TRAINING SAVES LIVES * The leading reason for euthanizing dogs in the U.S. is poor behavior. * A well-behaved dog can be a lifelong companion and friend. TIPS for having a dog that fits in with your lifestyle: Choose Wisely! Certain breeds may fit your lifestyle better than others. Ask our staff for help if you are unsure of the breed you are interested in (i.e. behavior characteristics and potential medical problems.) Start Early! It is never too early for puppies to learn what acceptable behavior is (and what is not!) Small things like not letting them chew on your hands and feet, not jumping up and getting them used to being handled-even when you are doing something they don't like. These pointers can make a huge difference later on. Good diet! Feeding quality food will promote healthy development and reduce "output" which of course is a big help during house-training. Ask our staff for help in choosing the right food for your puppy. Socialization! Once your puppy's vaccination series is complete it is best to introduce your dog to a wide range of social situations (with other people and pets!) Also, we suggest Dog Obedience Classes. There are several good schools in our area that we recommend and these are helpful to both the owner and the dog.