While our furry friends come with a built-in coat, not every pet is cut out for winter weather! Even hearty Arctic breeds can experience negative effects if exposed to winter conditions for too long. This month, we’re considering “how cold is too cold” for pets. We’ll also outline some safety precautions you can take to make sure your pets safely enjoy the great outdoors this winter.
First, Know Your Pet Just like some people are comfortable in t-shirts and shorts while others bundle up in parkas, no two pets will experience cold weather the same. Some breeds of dogs, like Huskies and Samoyeds, were specifically bred to withstand long bouts of wintry weather. Others, like short-coated Chihuahuas and Greyhounds, can catch a chill even in the summertime! That’s why it’s incredibly important to know your pet and their tolerances. Here are a few variables to consider: Coat Type and Color Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant. This includes dogs like Newfoundlands, Malamutes, and Saint Bernards. These dog breeds tend to have a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser topcoat. Dogs with thinner coats will be much less cold-tolerant and may need to be bundled up before heading outside, even on mild winter days. Interestingly, your dog’s coat color also impacts how warm they stay. Black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to dogs with light-colored coats. Age and Health Your pet’s age and health status also play a significant role in how well they can tolerate cold. In general, very young pets and senior pets will struggle more with extreme cold weather. Certain chronic health conditions may also affect your pet’s ability to regulate their body temperature. These conditions include:
Size and Weight In general, smaller dogs get cold much faster than larger dogs. That’s due to a few key reasons. Dogs lose most of their heat through their skin. Small dogs have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio compared to big dogs. That means they have a bigger surface to lose heat through and a smaller area "inside" to hold on to heat. Small dogs may also have lower body fat than bigger dogs. Body fat acts as a natural insulator, so thin dogs become colder much more quickly. So, How Cold Is Too Cold? While cold tolerance varies by breed, age, body condition, and health status, there are a few simple rules of thumb you can follow when adventuring outdoors with your pets this winter. If the temperature is... 45 degrees Fahrenheit or higher This temperature is comfortable for most animals. Still, you should always consider your pet’s coat type, size, and overall health before taking them outside. Watch for signs of cold, like shivering, whining, or reluctance to keep walking. 32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit Some dogs may feel cold at this temperature. Consider bundling them up in a sweater or booties when going outside and limiting walk lengths. 20 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit Certain dogs may be in danger if they spend too much time outside in this temperature. Medium and large dogs may be able to tolerate up to 30 minutes outside in these conditions. Closely monitor smaller dogs and short-haired dogs for signs of hypothermia. Under 20 degrees Fahrenheit Keep walks to 20 minutes or less, or take several shorter walks instead of one long walk. At this temperature, many dogs can develop problems like hypothermia or frostbite without cold weather protection in as little as 15 minutes. Signs of Hypothermia Hypothermia is a serious health condition in which a dog's body temperature drops below 99°F (37°C). It can range from mild to severe and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. Symptoms of hypothermia include:
If you notice any of the above signs, get your dog to a safe, warm space as soon as possible. Wrap pets in warm blankets and towels. Call your vet as soon as you can and be ready to bring your pet in for evaluation and supportive care. Keep Pets Happy & Healthy This Winter! With our mild Pacific Northwest winters, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside with your pets. However, it’s important to know when and how to safeguard your furry friends against cold weather conditions. If you ever have questions about your pet, the team at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is here to help! By now, we've all seen advertisements from online companies and retailers promising lower prices on pet medicines. Some even proudly advertise, "No prescription required!" As pet owners ourselves, we understand that every dollar counts when it comes to improving the lives of our furry friends. But are discount online pet pharmacies trustworthy? In this blog, we look at the potential risks of buying pet medications online and red flags to look out for.
#1: Not All Online Pharmacies Operate Legally While some legitimate online veterinary pharmacies exist, many more operate without FDA oversight and regulation. In fact, illegal pharmacies are such a big problem that the FDA has issued warnings about buying pet drugs online. They've even created an online database to help pet owners identify safe online pharmacies and report illegal ones. #2: You Might Not Get What You've Ordered According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), illegal online pharmacies may also sell medications that are "counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated or improperly made or stored." Some of these medications may not even contain the medicine you thought you ordered, which can be extremely dangerous to your pet. Because veterinary clinics purchase medications directly from the manufacturer, they can ensure you're actually getting what you've ordered! #3: Online Pharmacies May Store or Ship Medications Inappropriately Many medications are temperature-sensitive. In order to be effective, they need to be shipped and stored in a climate-controlled environment. Medications stored under improper conditions can have reduced potency and efficacy or even spoil. When you purchase medications from your veterinarian, you're getting a qualified prescriber who can guarantee your pet's medications have been stored and shipped safely. #4: Many Online Pharmacies Can't Offer Guarantees or Warranties Because many online pharmacies buy their products from secondary parties, manufacturers may not stand behind the product's quality or efficacy. What does this mean for you? Consider this example. Suppose you buy and use a monthly heartworm preventative from your vet, but your pet still contracts heartworm. In many cases, the drug manufacturer will help cover the cost of heartworm diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, this same guarantee doesn't apply to medications bought from a third-party online pharmacy. These manufacturer guarantees also provide the peace of mind that your pet's meds are coming from a safe, reputable source. If your pet has an adverse reaction to the medication, your vet can be an advocate on your behalf. #5: Online Pet Pharmacies Don't Know Your Pets One key benefit of getting prescriptions directly from your vet is the professional guidance that comes with it. Your vet knows your pet's medical history, allergies, and specific needs. Vets provide comprehensive care that extends beyond simply dispensing medications. Without wellness exams, follow-up visits, and regular lab work, there's no way to guarantee that your pet is getting the best, most effective treatment. All of the Convenience, None of the Risks At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we've partnered directly with trusted drug manufacturers to offer a convenient online pharmacy with all of the perks and none of the risks. We're able to deliver vet-prescribed, manufacturer-guaranteed medications and other essentials right to your doorstep. Plus, with autopay options, you can save on monthly prescription costs. Additionally, each prescription is approved by our team to ensure you get the appropriate medication, dose, and instructions for your pet. Have questions about our online pharmacy? We’re happy to help! Get in touch to learn more about the prescription process, how to order medications, and what guarantees we offer. |