Veterinarian gives guidance for pet care in cold weather

PINE PLAINS — Whether welcoming a new puppy on Christmas morning or helping an old “best friend” adjust to the colder weather, common sense can go along way in making good decisions, according to Dr. Barbara Clayton of Clayton Veterinary Practice in Pine Plains.

She notes that because  animals come with their own good instincts, paying attention to the way they behave can provide cues on what a pet might need as can age, size, health and even the coat the animal sports. Usually  the animal — given the option — will probably make good decisions for itself.

In cold weather, for example, she noted that a dog with a fine coat, ever a massive breed such a Great Dane, might prefer a quick trip outside with a rapid return inside, “curled up on a pillow in a ball” or perhaps acting as a chihuahua-sized loving lap dog.

Speaking fondly, she emphasized, “It depends on the dog. Some dogs do not want to come in from the cold. I had a dog who loved (it). She’d make a bed in the snow. She’d curl up, and I’d try to call her in and she’d look up and wag her tail and say ‘I’m good.’”

She said, “Some of these big huskies, these big fluffy German shepherd-y dogs — they love being out” and they might appreciate being in a clean and comfortable dog house. Those structures should not be set on the ground, however, but instead be raised so the air can provide insulation with the opening set away from the wind and possibly equipped with a flap-like doggie door.

Non-chewable bedding such as clean straw or shavings rather than a comforter or “something they might eat” or that would attract insects or mice should be used.

If, despite an owner’s best efforts, a dog becomes overly chilled, its own system will begin to attempt to warm itself by shivering. Warm towels, blankets or a warm drink can bring relief. She adds, however that because a dog can then become overheated, if the pet tries to move away from those, let it go.

She cautions against using devices such as electric blankets which could cause burns.

In addition to the cold, she said owners need to protect paws and recommends using only non-toxic de-icing products that are made specifically for pets.  “If the dog is being walked off the property where you don’t know what’s been used,” she recommends doggie boots.

There are also cream-like products for paws such those used on sled dogs that are especially good for “these younger, sprier dogs that want to run around and play in the snow or on the ice.”

As for the age-old question of the wisdom of a puppy popping out from beneath the tree on Christmas morning, Clayton feels It can be a good experience but if — and only if — everyone has thought carefully about what the commitment means.

Saying, “Pets are not toy trains. Dogs are not dolls,” she recommends against a surprise gift.

“Everyone needs to be on board” as they consider what the needs of the animal will be as well as their own circumstances such as age, the sizes of people in the house, health, allergies, and the ability to provide the time, space, and effort to give the dog the proper amount of play and exercise.

She says, “look at your lifestyle, and research some different breeds that meet the criteria, and then talk to breeders that breed them.”

Clayton emphasizes, “Every dog should be crate trained. It’s their room — their safe place. Feed your dog in the crate... give them treats” but be sure any chew toys don’t become small enough to swallow. That is why she is “not a fan” of rawhide bones, which can be chewed down in size, preferring instead antlers or the like.

Finances can become an issue so to be sure the pet can get treatment when needed, Clayton recommends pet insurance be purchased.

As a final precaution, Clayton suggests pets be implanted with chips so any which are lost — especially in winter’s cold —  can be returned to the warmth of their homes and families.