This weeks polar vortex and snow hitting the mid-west and northeast USA prompt me to remind everyone to protect and care for our four-legged friends. Extreme cold cannot be tolerated by dogs and cats, even those used to being outside. It was -27 here a few days ago – that was the actual morning temperature, not wind chill! That’s too cold for pets to be out for more than a few minutes. And for the next few days we have a lot of snow coming, and well as more extreme cold.

Please bring your outdoor dogs and cats into a barn, garage, basement or other structure where they can be protected from wind, moisture and the cold. They need a dry place to curl up, even in an unheated outbuilding, so long as the wind is not howling through the cracks. Some old blankets, hay or straw fluffed up, or other material will help conserve body heat. Just being out of direct wind can help a lot.

Check their water bowl and replace it with tepid water if it’s frozen. Pets still need water to stay hydrated, even in the cold. Dogs and cats also need food with a high caloric content (fat that is) to produce body heat. So a little extra food might be in order if they are not in the house or barn where it’s warm.

Hair means insulation to a dog or cat – so while regular grooming keeps the coat fluffy ( a plus), shaving hair does the opposite. It will leave them colder than ever. I do advocate trimming out the hair between pads and toes from dogs feet. It will help prevent snow and ice balls from forming under their feet. Do be aware that many salt/ice melting products can cause burns and irritations to pets feet. Booties can help protect a dogs feet, and petroleum jelly will do so as well, though not as thoroughly as booties do.

Wiping down a dogs unprotected feet, and even their belly, when they come inside can help remove salt or de-icing products. If your dog or cat is in a garage, be sure to wipe up any antifreeze on the floor or under a vehicle. Pets like the taste of it, but it will cause permanent kidney failure in a flash.

Also protect your pet in case they wander trying to escape the snow or cold. A collar and Identification tag is the least expensive method, and a microchip, if registered to your name, address and phone, can get a lost pet back to you too.

Lastly, be a good neighbor. If feral cats live around you, put out a box and heating pad so they can get out of inclement weather, or leave a barn, garage, or out building door ajar. Some food and water for them won’t hurt either. If you find a stray dog, bring it inside and call your local animal control officer if the animal is without a collar or tags.

I would want someone to do it for my dogs if they were lost outside.