My Pet World: Protect dogs and cats from winter's blast

To some dogs, the weather outside may be frightful, while others want to romp and play in the snow -- and how can you blame them? But when is it just too cold for some dogs?

"Dogs can certainly get frostbitten," says Dr. Kate Knutson, past president of the American Animal Hospital Association. "Imagine going outdoors without wearing gloves or a hat if it's 20 degrees or much colder."

Knutson, of Bloomington, MN, says that long ears and tails are most susceptible to frostbite. So far, no one has developed canine earmuffs or a "tail glove," so until that happens, "It's your job kind of figure out when enough is enough," Knutson says.

Just as for people, movement helps keep dogs warm, but many still need a coat or sweater.

"People smarter than I have figured out thermal zones which certain animals are happiest," Knutson says. Malamutes and Huskies wag their tails at temperatures hovering around 10 degrees, but small dogs much prefer it to be 40 or 50 degrees.

"People don't go outside without coats if it's 30 or 40 degrees," says Knutson. "Small dogs definitely need protection against even moderate cold, and so do sight hounds (like Whippets and Greyhounds) because they have so little body fat, and older dogs are more susceptible to the cold."

When temperatures fall into the 20s or below, most other dogs may be added to the list of those more comfortable with sweaters or jackets, ranging from Pit Bull-type pets to Dalmatians and many mixed breeds.

You should also protect your dog's feet in winter. The minute ice and snow appear, people spread copious amounts of salt. Because dogs sweat some from their paw pads, and they have hair there, tiny ice-balls can form in the pads, and complicated by the cold and salt, this stings.

"Dogs can get frostbitten on their paw pads," Knutson says. She's a fan of booties. Other options to prevent ice balls and stop street salt from sticking to the pads: Spray an unflavored no-stick cooking spray (such as Pam) on your dog's paws, or use a product called Musher's Secret (available online and at many pet stores).

You'll do your dog and others in the neighborhood a favor by using pet-friendly salt (like Morton Safe T-Pet Ice Melt). Not only is it far gentler to canine paws, but it's also less damaging to concrete

As for cats, there are always dangers to being outdoors, particularly when temperatures dip. The good news is, cats are pretty resourceful at finding warmth. But that's also the bad news. To a cat seeking heat, a warm car hood is like a cozy electric blanket to slink under. As a result, veterinarians in cold weather climates too often treat cats seriously mangled (or killed) when drivers innocently start their engines. Knock on your car hood in the morning before turning on the ignition.

Desperate for water that's not frozen, cats kept outside may drink anything they can find. Antifreeze is always tempting. Less than a quarter a cup of antifreeze can kill a Great Dane, and a teaspoon's worth can be fatal for a small dog or a cat. Antifreeze products marketed as pet-friendly are safer; these brands contain bittering agents which make them taste awful.

A common threat, particularly as temps hover around freezing, are ponds, rivers, lakes, and particularly retention ponds.

"The ice may not be as solid as you think," says veterinary toxicologist Dr. Justine Lee, of St. Paul, MN, an American Animal Hospital Association social media committee member. "It's really heartbreaking; a few years ago a dog was found on the ice. It turned out the dog's human fell through the ice," Lee recalled. "When in doubt, be safe. I recommend (staying away) unless you see cars parked on the ice. Recently, I helped a friend (whose) three dogs fell through the ice. Dogs are prone to hypothermia just as we are. Survival can be high, but only with immediate veterinary care."

For more pet safety tips, check the American Animal Hospital Association site: www.aaha.org.

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