Winter weather poses special challenges for pet owners

LJWorld.com weblogs Lawrence Weather Watch

Posted by Ashley Meenen November 23, 2009 at 12:16 p.m.

With the holidays and winter weather approaching, we have already talked about some precautions we need to take to keep ourselves and our families’ safe, but what about our pets?

From poinsettias to Christmas ornaments, holidays mean more hazards for our pets. Not only do we have to worry about decorations, but holiday dinners also mean additional hazards. Even the best trained dog can't resist food left out on the table unattended! Different foods are hazardous for cats, than for dogs.

We've now talked about holidays, but what about the cold weather? If you have an outdoor dog, they have specific winter shelter needs. Here are some other basic winter weather tips.

My dog (Maddie) pretty much likes all weather. Maddie loves to watch thunderstorms, she loves to play in the snow and she'll even play in the rain, although sometimes she'll make you go outside with her in the rain. She finds ice a little trickier, but it doesn't stop her from playing!

Here's a picture of Maddie during her first encounter with ice. She was slipping all over the place, and the windy conditions didn't help. She eventually learned how to "ice skate," although she spent a lot of time sitting before that!

Here's a picture of Maddie playing on a cool, fall day. While she loves the snow and she'll play in the rain, I think she enjoys the "beautiful" weather more, because I'll spend much more time outside playing with her!

What experiences do you have with the weather and your pets?

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mdrndgtl (anonymous) says…

Wow Ashley, what a horrible article. The pictures of your dog didn't help. Awful, awful stuff. Better luck next time...
November 24, 2009 at 12:13 a.m.
ameenen (Ashley Meenen) says…

mdrndgtl, I am sorry you didn't enjoy this post. My goal was to provide links to resources for pet owners (or new pet owners) who may not be familiar with hazards the winter and holiday season present. I have a list of weather questions that have been submitted from other readers/viewers. If there is anything you would like to read about, feel free to post your weather questions and I will add them to the list.
November 24, 2009 at 7:53 a.m.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…

I think it is a wonderful article. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the way the links are put in.
Maddie is a darling. Like her I have spent time "sitting" on the ice so I know how she feels.
I have a cat again after not having one for a long time and while Deion is an indoor cat, I had to read up on plants and foods that are a danger to him.
It does not hurt to take a moment to go over these things. Having an animal is like having a child in that you have to look around the house from their point of view.
Thanks for the article!
November 24, 2009 at 12:33 p.m.