Peachtree Creek Animal Hospital Shares Cold Weather Advice
Contributed by Jonathan Kahn, DVM
Peachtree Creek Animal Hospital
This time of year I will catch an occasional question about what temperatures pets can safely tolerate.
Just like us, pets in Georgia are not used to cold weather. If they are exposed to temperatures below
freezing for excessive periods they can be subject to frostbite and hypothermia.
Be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather, and adjust your amount of outdoor activity. Below 32 degrees small dogs, dogs with thin coats, puppies, geriatric pets, and pets with endocrine disorders should not be outdoors for long periods of time.
Below about 20 degrees and even thick-coated breeds like Huskies should be monitored for cold related issues. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs are more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Shivering and whining are the best indicators that your pet is ready to go back inside!
Owners whose pets have arthritis will likely see that condition exacerbated by the cold and should consider adjusting their medication dosing schedule.
Finally, even though we get the occasional cold snap we do frequently see winter days of 60 degrees plus so make sure to keep our pet on heartworm, flea and tick medication year-round!
Contact our LMMNA neighborhood sponsor, Dr. Kahn, for a tour of his vet clinic anytime! Call 404-46PUPPY (467-8779) or stop by and meet him in person at 1085 Lindbergh Drive NE, Suite 100.