Grades: 3-4
Many domestic animals that are accustomed to the indoors are unable to avoid extreme temperatures without human intervention. The goal of this lesson is to aid students to protect their pets from extreme temperatures by taking a few safety precautions for their pets. Pets require the same kind of care and planning when they have to go outside at different times of the year and in different weather conditions.
Start by downloading the lesson handouts (pdf) and printing them out. They include fun games, puzzles, and quizzes to help your child learn.
Cold Temperatures
In addition to food and water, animals require the same basic elements for survival as humans. Imagine if you had to live outside during the winter in a shed with no heat to keep you warm!! The outdoor dog or cat requires shelter with adequate ventilation and bedding. Your pet dog or cat is not built to live outside during the cold winter months. They have fur but that is not enough to keep them warm. In the winter, some dogs and cats require more protection than others.
Which animals need more protection against the cold than others? How can you protect your animals from the cold when you take them for a walk?
Short-haired dogs often need more protection that long-haired dogs. Short-haired dogs should wear coats or sweaters to conserve body heat. Some dogs and cats need protection from salt and ice. Salt and ice can become trapped in their fur between their paws and cause infections. Some pet's pads are subject to cracking or splitting in snow and ice as well. Getting your dog or cat to wear boots may not be easy unless you start them at an early age.
Cats are reluctant to "get dressed" in cold weather, but their nose, ears, tails and toes are especially vulnerable to frostbite. The best thing you can do to protect your cat is keep it indoors. Cats that are outside will often climb into car engines that have been running, to get warm. Sometimes they come out with no tail or worse. Cats are definitely much safer inside.
Once your pet is "dressed" for the weather, slowly acclimate him to the different temperature changes by slowly exposing him to the weather. For instance, gradually increase the length of a daily walk for your dog.
If your dog or cat does stay outside during the winter months he/she requires extra food and/or vitamin supplementation due to increased metabolic needs. In contrast, indoor pets may require fewer calories if they get less exercise in the winter.
Some dogs like to swim, even in the winter. Do you think this is safe? Why not?
This is not very safe for your dog. The water is very cold and pets can get hypothermia. This means that the temperature of their body becomes much colder than it should be. Breathing becomes difficult and the heart can stop beating. As well, if your dog got tired and couldn't make it back to shore, the ice might be too thin for you to help him and the water would be too cold. If this ever happened you should never try to rescue your dog alone. Get an adult. The best thing to do is to take your dog for walks in areas where there is no water so he/she will not be tempted!!
Hot Temperatures
It is easy to bring your pet with you on long summer day outings but you should be mindful of heatstroke and signs of excessive heat exposure.
Providing fresh water for your dog at ALL times is very, very important. Dogs sweat through their foot pads and also lose heat by panting. Evaporation from their tongues and nose can help decrease body temperature. Dogs however, cannot sweat through the skin on their bodies, like people do, so they can get too hot very quickly. Always make sure shade is available.
Signs of rapid panting or breathing, hot skin, twitching muscles and a dazed look can be indicative of heatstroke. This condition is potentially fatal and requires treatment by a veterinarian. If a veterinarian is unavailable, you can help cool your pet by giving him/her a cool water bath, including the head, applying rubbing alcohol to their paws and offering them water. Try to get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Can you think of any places that might get hot very quickly during the summer?
Parked Cars!! Never leave your pet in a parked car. On a typical 70° day, the car temperature can quickly reach 100°!!! Leaving pets unattended in the car is the number one cause of heatstroke and heat related deaths.
Other Summer Hazards
If your pet has very short hair, be careful not to let him/her fall asleep in the sun. Short-haired pets or pets with pink skin or white hair can get sunburned. If your dog swims, rinse him off. Chlorine and salt can damage your dog's coat and irritate his skin. If your dog does not enjoy swimming, do not force him to. Not every dog paddles well. Do not throw him in or chase him into the water.
- Watch for hot pavements and beaches; these hot surfaces can burn your pet's footpads the same way your skin burns.
- Proofread the labels on possible pesticide or herbicide products before applying them to your yard. Pets in contact with these chemicals should be thoroughly washed immediately.
- Keep your pet's vaccinations up to date. Many animals may come in contact with your pet directly or indirectly. Your pet may be exposed to diseases, external parasites (i.e. ticks, fleas, ear mites) and internal parasites (intestinal worms, heartworm) which can make your pet sick or uncomfortable.
- Some pets are allergic to bee stings, pollen, dust, grass and certain weeds. If your pet comes into contact with these or appears to be uncomfortable due to excessive sneezing, scratching or chewing its paws, they could be suffering from an allergic reaction. Seek medical attention from your vet.
Have you ever seen a dog riding in the bed of a truck? Do you think this is safe?
NO, riding in the bed of a truck is very dangerous for both dogs and people. Here's why:
- They could fall out when the driver hits a bump.
- If the dog is tied on and he falls out he could be strangled.
- Dirt and rocks could fly up from other cars on the road and injure the dog's eyes, nose or face.
- Metal bottoms in a truck bed can get hot very quickly and bum the pads on their feet.
- Leaving a dog out in the sun with no shade or water can lead to heatstroke.
Traveling
If you plan to bring your pet with you, make sure that you have made the proper arrangements and have the right size carrier for your pet. If traveling by airplane you must make reservations for your pet. You wouldn't want to leave your pet in the airport alone because he/she was not able to get on that flight. If the pets are staying home, make sure there is someone to give them food, water, exercise and attention while you are away.
Summer Camping and Hiking
These are very fun activities for both you and your dog. There are some important things to keep in mind, however, when it comes to keeping your pets safe and sound.
- Exercise - Don't over do it! If your dog is not used to jumping for Frisbees or swimming, don't ask him/her to over do it.
- Plan your hiking time - Remember, if it takes two hours to get to the lake, how long does it take to get back? 2 hours!! Your could be carrying a tired pooch a long way!
- Backpacks for dogs - This can be a good way for your dog to carry their own supplies, but make sure it is not too heavy and that they are used to wearing it.
- Heat - Animals can get heatstroke just like people. Never leave your pet inside a parked car! Never expose your pets to excessively hot temperatures.
- Dangers on the trail - Ticks and mosquitoes can bite your pet. Use a pet safe insect spray and check your pet when you come home. Sharp rocks and glass can cut paws. If this happens, apply pressure and keep the paw dry. Wild animals could hurt your pet because they are frightened. Keep your pet on a leash.
Holidays
Holidays are fun and everyone looks forward to going somewhere different while celebrating special days such as Christmas and Easter. Pets are important to keep in mind during these times too.
Christmas
Christmas is very exciting and fun but please remember your pets. There are many hazards at this time of year:
- Bones - Turkey, chicken or small steak bones can get caught in your pet's throat and cause pain and damage.
- Fat - Animals can get very sick if they eat people food, especially junk food.
- Chocolate - Chocolate is poisonous to dogs so when you are enjoying your chocolate treats give your dog a dog biscuit instead. He/she will be just as happy!
- Holiday Plants - Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous. Keep them out of your pet's reach.
- Electrical Cords - Kittens and puppies love to chew. Keep these cords out of their reach.
- Candles - Kittens and puppies are very curious. Never leave burning candles unattended. Put them out of harm's way.
- Holiday Tree - Make sure the tree is well secured to the wall. Tree climbing cats or large dogs with happy tails can easily knock a tree over. Keep pine needles off the floor. They are sharp and if eaten can cause injury to your pet's stomach.
- Ornaments - Sharp or breakable ornaments should be kept out of reach. Cats love to eat tinsel so this should be avoided.
- Stress and Company - Some animals are not used to having a lot of people in the house so find them a nice quiet place to rest. Make sure your pets have ID tags in case someone accidentally lets a pet out of the house. Let your guests know that you have pets so they can keep an eye out for them when they open doors.
Conclusion
The changing seasons can be a joy and adventure for our pets, but keeping their safety in mind should always be a priority no matter what season it is. Be sure to watch out for temperatures that are too hot or too cold for your animal. Remember that an animal can die of heatstroke if left in a car unattended. Watching out for hazards and keeping in mind the precautions listed above, your pet should have a happy and fun-filled life. If you have any questions on climate changes and the effects they may have on your animal, please contact our office and we would be happy to assist you.
During veterinary medical school, Dr. Maimon co-authored each teaching lesson. These lessons are courtesy of funding by the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Fund at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Each article is copyright protected by the Atlantic Veterinary College. Written permission to display these articles granted by the Atlantic Veterinary College.
