The cold weather means precautions for pets and animals who live outside.
WXPR's Pet Talk expert, Dr. Ron Reupert says dogs living outside have special cold-weather needs...
"....good shelter, insulated usually, door may not be necessary, a door that closes, but a door that is facing south out of the wind and water that won't freeze or using a tank heater for their water bowls. Extra food, they'll burn more calories just maintaining their body heat even when they aren't exercising much...."
Dr. Reupert recommends dogs have booties on their feet when outdoors to protect their paws. He doesn't recommend short-haired dogs likes Dobermans to be outside very long in temperatures below ten degrees.He says small, short-haired dogs can be affected in the cold...
"....the feet can become very painful. You can see them lifting them up. I remember seeing a Jack Russell(terrier) that his rear feet got so cold, it actually did handstands and walk around on it's front feet. It was funny, but you could realize the dog was having trouble...."
Some dog breeds though are built for the cold like a Husky.
He says horses need to be out of the wind and need an ample supply of fresh water.
Outdoor cats need a place to be out of the wind and also need something like a light bulb to keep them warm in an enclosed space. Experts say if it's too cold for you outside it also is too cold for your pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals has tips at ASPCA.org
