Photo: Nathanael Mosqueda/Pexels
(Family Features) --
So far, the weather in central Illinois has been pretty mild this winter, and like their owners, family pets are enjoying their time outside. But as we head toward the typically colder 6-8 week period starting sometime in January through February, it is never too early to start thinking about protecting our four-legged companions when arctic air from the north pushes our way.
Just as people prepare their homes, cars and families for extreme temperatures and weather events of winter, it's important to remember pets' needs this time of year.
As cold weather sets in, Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian at PetSmart, shares these tips to prepare and ensure your pets are warm and happy throughout winter.
Take Caution When Outdoors
When temperatures reach levels of extreme cold, Freeman recommends limiting outdoor walks and monitoring your pet's behavior for signs of stress or discomfort. Letting your dog outside to use the bathroom or go for a quick walk is OK, but never leave a pet outside for a long period of time, especially during a winter storm. "Don't let your dog off its leash after snowfall, as snow can mask familiar scents," Freeman said. "This can cause your pet to become disoriented or lost if they get too far away." Add Extra Layers
Despite efforts to limit time outdoors, your pet needs to go outside for bathroom breaks and exercise. Pets who are small, short-haired, old or have any health issues or illnesses may be more sensitive to cold weather. Pet sweaters can help keep your pet warm. If your pet is shivering, that's a sign they need extra layers. To help trap body heat and protect paws from extreme cold, consider using booties when venturing outside. Watch out for Hazardous Chemicals
Many people use snow-melting products like deicers, antifreeze and salt, which can cause skin irritation and be fatal if ingested by your pet. Pet parents should keep an eye on their pets when they're outside and be mindful of hazards. After a walk, it's important to thoroughly rinse your pet's paws and stomach, Freeman said, especially after walking in areas where these products are frequently used. Keep Skin Protected
Just like humans, many pets get dry skin during the winter. When your pet needs a bath, try using a pet-friendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your pet's skin seems extra dry, supplements like fish oil can be added to your pets' food to help the skin and coat. It's important to keep an eye on skin health and check with your vet if issues persist as they could be signs of larger problems. Have an Emergency Plan
"While creating emergency kits in case of a storm or power outage, don't forget about your pet's needs," Freeman said. "A pet's kit should include supplies needed to keep them fed, warm and secure during emergency conditions like blizzards or extreme cold. Items like sweaters, insulated vests, paw booties, pet-safe ice melt and a heated bed or pad can help avoid risks associated with freezing temperatures." Gather any other care items your pet may require such as medications, puppy pads, waste bags, litter box supplies and calming spray. Freeman also suggests storing a one-week supply of food in a waterproof container along with bottled water and portable bowls as well as a list of feeding routines and behavioral considerations in case others need to care for your pet. Ensure Identification Information is Current
While winter emergencies may add to the importance, it's crucial your pet wears a tag displaying your phone number year-round. Microchip and register your pet with current contact information and tuck a copy of their vaccination and medical records, veterinary contact information and a current photo in your emergency kit. Find products to help protect your pet this winter at PetSmart.com.
When temperatures reach levels of extreme cold, Freeman recommends limiting outdoor walks and monitoring your pet's behavior for signs of stress or discomfort. Letting your dog outside to use the bathroom or go for a quick walk is OK, but never leave a pet outside for a long period of time, especially during a winter storm. "Don't let your dog off its leash after snowfall, as snow can mask familiar scents," Freeman said. "This can cause your pet to become disoriented or lost if they get too far away." Add Extra Layers
Despite efforts to limit time outdoors, your pet needs to go outside for bathroom breaks and exercise. Pets who are small, short-haired, old or have any health issues or illnesses may be more sensitive to cold weather. Pet sweaters can help keep your pet warm. If your pet is shivering, that's a sign they need extra layers. To help trap body heat and protect paws from extreme cold, consider using booties when venturing outside. Watch out for Hazardous Chemicals
Many people use snow-melting products like deicers, antifreeze and salt, which can cause skin irritation and be fatal if ingested by your pet. Pet parents should keep an eye on their pets when they're outside and be mindful of hazards. After a walk, it's important to thoroughly rinse your pet's paws and stomach, Freeman said, especially after walking in areas where these products are frequently used. Keep Skin Protected
Just like humans, many pets get dry skin during the winter. When your pet needs a bath, try using a pet-friendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your pet's skin seems extra dry, supplements like fish oil can be added to your pets' food to help the skin and coat. It's important to keep an eye on skin health and check with your vet if issues persist as they could be signs of larger problems. Have an Emergency Plan
"While creating emergency kits in case of a storm or power outage, don't forget about your pet's needs," Freeman said. "A pet's kit should include supplies needed to keep them fed, warm and secure during emergency conditions like blizzards or extreme cold. Items like sweaters, insulated vests, paw booties, pet-safe ice melt and a heated bed or pad can help avoid risks associated with freezing temperatures." Gather any other care items your pet may require such as medications, puppy pads, waste bags, litter box supplies and calming spray. Freeman also suggests storing a one-week supply of food in a waterproof container along with bottled water and portable bowls as well as a list of feeding routines and behavioral considerations in case others need to care for your pet. Ensure Identification Information is Current
While winter emergencies may add to the importance, it's crucial your pet wears a tag displaying your phone number year-round. Microchip and register your pet with current contact information and tuck a copy of their vaccination and medical records, veterinary contact information and a current photo in your emergency kit. Find products to help protect your pet this winter at PetSmart.com.
We had difficulties when we were growing up in Martin county, Kentucky but overall, we thought we were doing okay. President Lyndon Johnson came to Inez, Kentucky in 1964 to let us know we weren’t doing very well. He began his campaign in our community and we became the poster child for American poverty. We hadn’t really thought of ourselves as poor until we started hearing about ourselves in the news.
I had numerous friends who didn’t get much for Christmas. Often it was one or two small gifts or nothing at all.
Several classmates at my elementary school in Tomahawk, Kentucky were fortunate if they had a coat to wear in the winter. Ragged looking shoes on a kid’s feet during the winter was a common sight.
Several classmates came to school to wash their faces and hands in the boys’ bathroom. The school lunch was the only decent meal some of the kids ate during the week.
It was a while before President Johnson’s 1964 promises started helping our area. Even with the roll out of government assistance many families subsisted until the coal boom of the seventies which has almost died. Today our county is reinventing itself with agriculture, a service center to aid bitcoin mining, tourism and small businesses.
I don’t remember every Christmas, but I remember one. My dad broke his back falling off a barn when I was a child. He was out of work for several months and in those days, we didn’t have government safety nets to see us through tough financial times. Christmas came as usual and we did put up a tree. Our family gathered on Christmas Eve and we had food, fellowship and laughter. We always raised a garden and my parents stored food so it came in handy during tough times.
I expected nothing for Christmas that year because the heaviness of family financial pressure was obvious even as a child. Surprisingly, my mother handed me a small wrapped box that Christmas Eve and said Merry Christmas. I was shocked because I expected nothing that year. Opening the box, I found a watch that had numbers that glowed in the dark. It may have cost $5 but it was priceless to me. I was thrilled and wore it every night to just look at the glowing numbers.
Dad was recuperating that Christmas. His temporary disability and our financial stress made life gloomy for us that year. Yet, here I am remembering that Christmas as one of the best of all. It was during that Christmas that I remember the presence of family. Mom and dad were alive. We had food to eat. We had a roof over our heads and our family had each other.
This may not be your best Christmas, but maybe, just maybe you can still have Christmas.
The empty chair is painful. Depression is real. Financial or other personal difficulties may have disabled you. Millions have died from Covid-19. Thousands are suffering from horrific tornadoes and loss of life. Hurricanes have pounded us in the East and fires have incinerated our West. In the midst of all this inflation eats away at America’s paychecks like an unchecked malignancy.
The message of Christmas is the story of peasant parents, enduring difficult travel, taxes to be paid and no place to sleep but a barn and a cow’s trough for their newborn baby. Somehow, they found strength in each other and in God who brought them and their baby through a very difficult time. We never forget their story and their plight, it’s truly a Christmas worth remembering.
We are going to remember this Christmas, no doubt. Somehow, someway, with God’s help and each other, may this be a Christmas worth remembering.
