Last week, parts of Texas saw the unfamiliar sight of snow and some states saw rather drastic temperature swings / cooler-than-normal temps. Here are some tips on how to keep your furry friends safe with the extreme weather Mother Nature threw at parts of the country this past week.
COLD WEATHER PET SAFETY
- Exercise is important but walking dogs in cold weather isn’t always necessary. If it is too cold outside for you, it is too cold outside for Fido – even with a fur coat!
- If you do take your pet for a walk, wipe off their paws with a wet towel as soon as you get home to remove any rock salt or other chemicals that are often used on icy walkways. These chemicals can be irritating to the pads of their feet and can also be harmful if pets lick it off their paws.
- Pets and cold weather don’t mix. Shelter is important for all pets and outdoor animals should be kept protected from the wind and cold.
HOT WEATHER ANIMAL TIPS
- Again, it isn’t necessary to your dog for a walk when there are extreme temperatures outside. Walking dogs in hot weather can be dangerous so limit exercise on hot days.
- It is fun to tote around your pets in summer, but it is important to be prepared by:
- Providing plenty of water
- Providing ample shade
- Being able to recognize signs of heatstroke – heavy panting, glazed eyes, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, etc.
- Hot weather and dogs don’t mix especially if the air is humid. Dogs pant to keep cool as it takes heat away from their body, but it doesn’t work if it is too humid.
- Practice basic pet heat safety – NEVER leave a pet in your car!
Various Simpson communities feature onsite dog parks, dog runs and even pet ‘spaws.’ Check out our Apartment Search page for more information!
