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Cold Weather Tips
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Extreme winter weather conditions are not unusual in the Northwest. Here are some steps that can be taken to keep your pet comfortable throughout the cold winter months.
Provide shelter from storms. Provide an insulated, dry shelter with blankets or pads on the floor where your pet can get out of the cold and wind. Elevate your pet’s bed off of the ground or cold floor.
Do not leave your pet outside for long periods of time on cold days and keep your pet inside when weather conditions are severe. Pay attention to the wind chill factor. Shivering is the first sign that your pet is too cold. Signs of hypothermia can include weakness and lethargy. The gums may be pale or bluish. If these signs are observed, seek veterinary care immediately.
Pets are susceptible to frostbite. Remove ice and frozen mud from your pet. Call for advice if your pet’s skin is painful, turns reddish, white or gray or is sloughing.
Do not leave your pet in a parked vehicle at any time. The temperature in the vehicle can dip too low. If the engine is left running, your pet could be in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Remember to provide fresh, unfrozen drinking water at all times. Animals cannot get enough moisture from ice and may become quite dehydrated. Eating snow is not an adequate substitute for your pet’s water requirements.
Provide additional calories for your pet if it spends a lot of time outdoors. More calories are burned because of the extra energy required to keep warm in cold weather.
Check feet daily for cuts from ice/snow.
Avoid partially frozen ponds, lakes and rivers when walking or playing with your pet.
Cats have been known to seek shelter under warm car hoods. Be sure to check before starting your car. Honk your horn to scare off any animals that may be under the car hood.
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Healthy for the Holidays!
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Did you know cats are susceptible to several contagious diseases, many of which are caused by viruses? Fortunately, we have vaccines to prevent our feline friends from succumbing to several of the worst ones. These vaccines include FVRCP/Rabies.
There are three preventive agents in the FVRCP vaccine. The following is an explanation of each of those agents.
•FVR = Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis. This is a severe upper respiratory infection that is most dangerous to young kittens and older cats. This feline herpes virus is extremely contagious. FVR can leave some cats with permanent respiratory system and optical damage.
•C = calicivirus. There are several different strains of calicivirus, causing a range of illness from mild infection to life-threatening pneumonia. The more dangerous strains can be deadly. Calicivirus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat or an infected item. A carrier cat can transmit the virus for up to one year.
•P = panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). Feline distemper is a highly contagious disease that moves very quickly through the system. It is caused by a parvovirus similar to the parvovirus seen in dogs. As much as ninety percent of young kittens (under six months old) with panleukopenia do not survive the virus. The disease is most severe in young kittens but can affect cats of all ages. Panleukopenia may remain active in the environment for up to a year without a host.
Another important and legally required vaccine is the Rabies vaccination. Today, cats are infected with rabies more than any other pet – about 300 cases each year. All it takes to contract this deadly disease is exposure to an infected animal's saliva through a scratch, cut or bite. What is rabies? Rabies is an acute viral infection that can affect ALL warm-blooded animals and can be transferred to humans. Once the rabies virus enters the body, it travels along the nerves to the brain and is fatal. Fortunately, there is something we can do! A simple vaccination is the best way to help protect your cat against rabies.
We at Latah Creek Animal Hospital are concerned about the safety and health of your cat. Please call to schedule an appointment today!
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Latah Creek Animal Hospital
4241 S. Cheney-Spokane Road
Suite E
Spokane, WA 99224
509-462-7387
Clinic Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
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