IN THE DEEP FREEZE: PETS NEED SPECIAL CAIR IN COLD

The recent blast of winter weather that pushed into the region over the weekend is not only dangerous for people but can also be treacherous for animals exposed to the ice and frigid temperatures, say experts in animal care.

With temperatures dipping into the single digits in Southeast Missouri and wind chill factors below zero, animals, especially those left outside, can suffer frostbite, dehydration and even death because of their exposure to the cold.

Cynthia Kothe, program coordinator for the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, said the recent cold snap is particularly dangerous for dogs and cats that are not used to freezing temperatures. People mistakenly assume that since animals originated in the wild that they can withstand the winter temperatures, Kothe said.

"Since dogs and cats have been domesticated over hundreds of years, there has been a change in them," she said. "Their coats are different, their body mechanisms are different, and they are not able to adapt to the cold as they once were."

Although the shelter does not necessarily see more animals during this time of year, the stray animals that are brought in are usually in worse condition because of their exposure to the cold weather.

"Oftentimes they don't even make it to the shelter," Kothe said.

"But how cold is cold?" asked Dr. John Koch, a veterinarian with the Cape Small Animal Clinic. "It really depends on the breed of dog."

Some dog breeds such as the husky or Alaskan malamute were raised up north and are geared to handle the cold much better than the summer heat. "They can handle the cold fairly well," Koch said.

But others, especially short-haired dogs, weren't bred for cold climates and do not cope as well when temperatures drop into the 20s or below.

The thing animals need most during the winter months is shelter, Koch said.

An animal in the wild can find a den or an area of brush in which it can stay and protect itself from the cold and wind, Koch said. But an animal tied up in a yard or held in a pen cannot find shelter on its own.

Many of the outside shelters that people provide for their pets are not adequate. Among those which Koch said are inadequate are barrels with one end cut out and single-wall dog houses.

Dog houses need to be double walled with insulation between the walls, Koch said. He also said the dog house should be big enough for the dog to turn around in but not much bigger. Dogs have to rely on body heat to stay warm, and smaller houses help dogs keep warmer.

Experts also recommend that some sort of door be placed on the shelter, that a heat lamp or light bulb be used to help keep the shelter warm and that the shelter be elevated at least a few inches off the ground so moisture cannot accumulate beneath it.

The need for adequate food and water for animals during the winter months was also stressed.

"People need to remember that staying warm requires extra calories, which means more food," Kothe said.

Koch added that without adequate water, animals are in danger of dehydrating. Because water put outside can quickly freeze, pet owners whose animals stay outside should be sure to put out warm water several times a day, he said.

Dr. Linus Huck, a Jackson veterinarian specializing in horses, said that the need for food and water are vital for the care of horses during the winter months.

"If they are fed adequate food, horses can stand a tremendous amount of cold weather," Huck said.

Because pastures are covered with ice and snow, a horse's diet needs to be supplemented with hay and grain, Huck said.

He also said many of the intestinal and abdominal problems experienced by horses during the winter months are caused by the animals not taking on enough water. In addition, there is the danger of horses walking on frozen ponds looking for a source of water and having the ice break beneath them.

To protect against the dangers of not having sufficient water, horse owners need to make sure that the animals have access to an unlimited amount of water at least once a day, Huck said.

The people experiencing the most weather-related animal problems are dairy farmers, Huck said.

The tremendous amount of work that a dairy farmer faces is compounded by the cold weather. Many of the machines used for milking do not function properly because of the cold.

In addition, the dairy cows themselves experience the danger of frostbite on their udders. Also, moving in and out of the milking house twice a day and traveling over ice-covered concrete walkways, the cows are in danger of slipping on the ice and breaking bones or dislocating hips, Huck said.

Cold Weather Pet Tips

* Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor, such as in a dog or cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

* Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold.

* Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle.

* During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars where it is warmer. Then, when the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the car to give a cat a chance to escape.

* Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and easily become lost. They may panic in a snowstorm and run away.

* Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when it comes in out of the rain, snow or ice. Check its sensitive paw pads, which may bleed from snow or ice encrusted in them. Also, salt, antifreeze or other chemicals could hurt your dog if it ingests them while licking its paws.

* If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase its supply of food, particularly protein, to keep its fur thick and healthy.

* If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take it outdoors only long enough to relieve itself.

* Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper train your puppy inside if it appears to be sensitive to the weather.

* Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style, which provides more warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing due to dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure it is completely dry before you take it out for a walk.

* If you own a short-haired breed, consider getting a warm coat or sweater for your dog. Look for one with a high collar or turtleneck that covers your dog from the base of its tail and to the belly underneath. While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.