Colder temperatures in the teens and single digits in the winter months do not only affect humans, but also our pets.

Dr. Christy Fields of Companion Veterinary Clinic of Greene County reminds pet owners that when it is that cold, pets can also suffer from hypothermia and frostbite, just like humans do. She points out that while the colder temperatures can impact pets, the amount of time a pet spends outdoors can be more dangerous.

“If it’s really cold, they can still go outside to go potty but they should be able to come right back in. We don’t want to have extended amounts of time where they can start to decrease circulation, especially (in the) ears (that) tends to get frostbite pretty easily and we don’t want that. So decrease the amount of time they’re outside when it’s extremely cold.”

Dr. Fields notes that the common areas where pets are most susceptible for frostbite include ears, toes or paws and for smaller dogs, their bellies do not have as much fur and so she advises pet owners to check that area for any snow or ice and remove it with a cloth. 

Dr. Fields states that hypothermia happens when a pet cannot sustain their body temperature and that can be a critical situation.

“Get them inside (and) get them warmed up in a slow manner. You don’t want to dunk them in a tub of hot water and change their temperature abruptly. You want to slowly warm them up, increase their circulation (and) if you can get them moving that really helps.”   

Dr. Fields adds for pet owners to use common sense during the winter months when it gets very cold outside to limit a pet’s activity and if the environment is too cold for you, chances are your pet will not tolerate it either.