Whether the pet is a dog, a bird or even a snake, cold-weather temperatures can take their toll.
Dr. Thomas A. Lenarduzzi of Mississippi State University says an owner's rule of thumb for the season should be: If the weather is too cold for you, it's probably is too cold for your pet.
"Pets need just as much protection from winter weather conditions as humans do," the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member says. "To maintain their body temperature and stay healthy, they need protection from the elements."
Geriatric, newborn, sick, or pregnant animals are most at risk in cold weather since the calories they consume must meet both basic dietary needs and the extra energy necessary to cope with their medical condition. "That's why it's essential that these animals remain indoors and have plenty to eat," Lenarduzzi recommends.
Winter births may pose some serious problems for an animal. Pregnant pets should be kept indoors just prior to delivery and near a source of heat afterward. According to Lenarduzzi, mothers of newborn animals may reject a baby even when its temperature drops by only one degree.
"It is possible to re-warm a rejected baby and return it to the mother, but mothers may re-accept the animal only if its temperature has returned to normal," he adds.
Especially for dogs and cats, it's essential to keep dry in the winter so body temperatures can remain stable. When wet, both animals lose the insulation that their fur coats provide. If they must stay outside, shelter from wind and rain must be provided.
Small dogs and cats are better kept inside due to a lower body mass; still, it's suitable to take them outside for brief periods of time.
Sweaters for dogs are a good idea, but care must be taken when worn outside without supervision. Should the garment's threads become caught on something, the pet might be unable to return quickly to the warmth of home.
Hunting dogs, especially those used to retrieve dead or wounded ducks, face a major risk of hypothermia. Even though a duck blind provides shelter from the wind, the dog continually is getting wet.
Hunters always should bring towels to dry off the animal off if necessary. Also, if the dog is to remain in the woods all day, make certain to provide regular snacks that will supplement caloric intake and help maintain body temperature.
As for pet snakes, remember that all reptiles need to be warmer than humans year round. When their body temperature drops below 75 degrees, their immune system is compromised and an owner must be prepared to either adjust the air conditioning setting or provide an external heat source (heat lamp or heating pad).
Because reptiles can get burned, heating pads must be insulated with towels and kept on a low setting. As a general rule, if you can't keep your hand under a heat source for an extended time without discomfort, it's too hot for your reptile pet.
Pet birds, like snakes, also need to stay indoors during winter, specifically in a room with a constant temperature. Since these birds usually are very sensitive to inhalation agents, be certain to keep them away from fireplaces, conventional stoves and wood stoves.
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