Weather Changes Are Effecting Pets

Although keeping your pets outside for extended periods of time is not suggested at any time of the year, it is especially important in Las Vegas to pay attention to cooling weather due to the fact that it can have a negative impact on your pet's health and safety.  Dogs and cats should never be left outside unsupervised at any time of the year, but the cooler weather of our Las Vegas winters brings special kinds of dangers that are not as prevalent at other times. 

The most obvious way that cooler temperatures can effect your pets if they are left outside for long periods of time is hypothermia.  Many people believe that since animals have fur they are not effected by the cold.  Any veterinarian in Las Vegas will tell you that they see many cases of both hypothermia and frostbite every year due to temperatures that drop below freezing overnight.  Animals are just as susceptible to cold weather as humans are, and they do not have the ability to survive freezing temperatures without shelter any more than humans do.  Their extremities will be effected by frostbite the same ways that yours will, and their skin will have the same damages.  If your dog or cat is left out for more than a few minutes, make sure that they have adequate shelter in the form of a heated doghouse or structure that can provide them escape from the cold.

Another aspect of freezing temperatures that people fail to realize is that if you leave food and water out in bowls for your pet to eat, the water will freeze.  If the food is left out in metal bowls, there is a good chance your pet's tongue will stick to the metal when temperatures are cold enough, potentially causing damage to the sensitive skin.  Make sure that any food and water is only left in plastic bowls.  Also make sure that the water is not left stagnant as is will freeze.

One of the most dangerous aspects of colder temperatures in Las Vegas is coyotes.  These predators will generally come closer to human populations as their food sources become more scarce in winters.  This means that there will be instances where coyotes will enter neighborhoods and backyards looking for food, and they cannot differentiate between a rabbit and your pet.  These hunters will eat your pet if given the chance, so it is best to not leave your pet unsupervised at any time, especially in winter.

Pet Health Animal Hospital is the premier veterinarian in Las Vegas.  Go to http://www.pethealthhospital.com for more pet tips and advice.