San Antonio Veterinarian Clinic

Animal Care in Cold Weather

Extreme weather conditions affect your pets. Cats and other indoor animals are generally not affected as much as others but dogs will be affected because they spend a significant amount of time outdoors. When one thinks of extreme weather that can affect their dog, one usually thinks of the hot weather. However, a San Antonio veterinarian clinic can tell you that cold weather can have bad effects on a dog as well.

Shelter is very important for any pet that will be exposed to cold weather conditions. Dogs also need some type of shelter if they will be outside for prolonged periods of time even though many think that dogs are suited for cold weather conditions. If you own a dog or other animal that spends a lot of time outdoors, building a house in the backyard for your pet is important. The pet will go there if they become too cold.

Having fresh water available to your pet at all times is also important. Many pet owners only think of water as a necessity when the temperatures are hot. However, pets also need water while the weather is cold. A heated water dish can be purchased for those animals that are outside for long periods of time when the temperature is cold enough to freeze water. A San Antonio veterinarian clinic can help you with the guidelines to follow for how much food and water a pet needs to sustain themselves in cold conditions.

Another important thing to take care of for dogs that spend time outside in the cold is their paws. Ice can easily form between the pads on a dog's paws causing pain to the dog when he walks. These ice balls will cause your dog to limp when he walks. A pet owner can help by keeping hair on the paws trimmed and removing any ice balls that do develop. If your pet continues to limp after the ice is removed, a visit to a San Antonio veterinarian clinic may be necessary.

Taking care of a pet that spends a lot of time outdoors can be even more time consuming than regular pet care. However, a San Antonio veterinarian clinic can explain what needs to be done to better care for your pet and make sure that they do not suffer in extreme cold conditions. An animal relies on its owner to take care of it and supply everything that it needs for survival.