Severe weather is doggone hard on outdoors pets

Dear Uncle Matty: I live next door to a really nice family. But they have two medium-size dogs that are outside almost all the time, even in this freezing weather. And this is a really cold winter. They are able to get under the back porch steps for a little shelter. I am so worried about these poor creatures that I want to let them in my house to warm up. I'm not sure what to do -- maybe you can tell me whether or not I should worry. -- Miss B., Chicago, Ill.

Dear Miss B.: During really severe cold weather -- and I hear the best is yet to come this year -- dogs and other household pets need to come inside the house. If that is not possible, then a good solid garage or barn is better than nothing.

What happens when a pet experiences prolonged exposure to cold weather? Its body will react the same as the human body. Body temperature drops, and if it goes too far, hypothermia results, especially in wet snow or rain.

And things go downhill from then on. Energy is depleted, which causes low blood sugar. Violent shivering is followed by apathy. Then, the dog collapses, and that is followed by a coma. This occurs if the dog's rectal temperature goes below 97 degrees.

I don't care how nice your neighbors seem, they are irresponsible if they are exposing their dogs to this kind of danger. If the result of exposure to these dogs causes hypothermia, these are the steps you (or someone) should take.

1. Wrap the dog in a blanket or coat, and get him inside immediately.

2. If he is wet, give him a warm (not hot) bath, and dry him with towels, rubbing briskly.

3. Apply warm-water packs that are warm to a wrist touch, but not hot. Hot water bottles are perfect at about 105 degrees. They should be placed on the dog's tummy and chest as well as under what is the equivalent of his armpits. The next best thing is to wrap the dog in an electric blanket.

4. The dog will suffer pain as sensation returns to his body, so don't be surprised if he tries to bite at his skin. He will need sugar. Give him a little honey, or add 4 tablespoons of sugar to a pint of water.

5. After he is somewhat recovered, a visit to the vet is advisable.

As if hypothermia wasn't enough! There is also frostbite to contend with, and that can affect a dog's toes, ears and scrotum. The ears are especially susceptible. To determine if a dog has suffered frostbite, although you may not always be able to tell, check the skin. It will first appear pale white. As circulation comes back, the skin becomes red and swollen. Later, these areas will look like burns and begin to separate. Such areas are prone to infection.

If the dog is suffering from frostbite, soak the affected areas in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes, and pat dry gently with a towel. Please do not rub. Apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage. These areas will be painful, and the dog must be prevented from biting or scratching.

So, what should responsible pet owners do during cold weather? Provide a safe, warm place even if you live in warmer climates. As I'm writing this column, it is freezing in parts of Arizona, California, southern Utah and other so-called freeze-safe zones. Dogs and cats lose a lot of their body heat through ears and feet, so caps, coats, sweaters and paw boots can help somewhat.

Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Read all of Uncle Matty's columns at the Creators Syndicate web site at www.creators.com, and visit him at www.unclematty.com. Send your questions to dearuncle.gazetteunclematty.com or mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. ? Creators Syndicate

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