Pets Can Get Hypothermia, Frostbite Too

BALTIMORE (WJZ) –– As Maryland deals with an arctic blast for the next few days, pet owners are reminded to bring animals inside.

Pets are also at risk for hypothermia and frostbite, due to the colder temperatures.

Bring pets in from the cold or have a dry, draft-free shelter for them with access to food and water.

The Maryland SPCA offers the following tips to keep your pet safe this winter:

Pets should not be left outside for extended periods of time.
During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. I there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

To read more on this story, click here: Pets Can Get Hypothermia, Frostbite Too

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Police Department Provides Protective Gear for Its Belgian Malinois Police Dog

South Dakota winters can be brutal, with an average annual snowfall of 41 inches. So, the Rapid City Police Department     decided to provide some protection for its Belgian Malinois police dog, Jary, in the form of winter boots, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.

But when a K-9 officer put the boots on Jary for the first time, it was immediately obvious the dog was not a fan of the protective gear. Even though he tried on the boots indoors, his gait looked as if he were trudging through big snow drifts.

And after the police department posted video of the dog’s first tentative steps on social media, it’s fair to wonder if Jary was more chagrined by having to wear the boots or by the national notoriety that followed.

Check out the entire police department video below:

                                           (Click on arrow twice to start video)

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Tips on Caring for Your Pets in the Winter

Depending on where you live, winter is coming…or is already here!

We love our pets as family members, so it is our responsibility to make sure that they are safe and warm in the winter.

Here are some myths/facts about caring for your pets:

Myth: Unlike summertime where a car acts as a greenhouse and can cause harm and even death to pets, a pet is safer in a car during winter months.

Fact: Pets can freeze to death even in a short period of time. Cars act as a refrigerator in cold months. A dog alone in a car, no matter the season, is a target for thieves.

Myth: All ice melts are created equal.

Fact: Not all ice melts are formulated to keep pets safe. Pet-safe ice melts like Morton Safe-T-Pet are salt- and chloride-free, which is safer on pet paws and stomachs. Never use a human grade ice melt, and always sprinkle Safe-T-Pet on sidewalks; do not pile product and risk Fido or Fluffy’s health.

Myth: A dog’s pads protect them from all elements of weather.

Fact: Though a dog’s pads contain much fatty tissue that does not freeze as easily as other tissues, protection against scuffing, scraping, cutting, and ice damage is crucial in winter months. Ice cubes and “snowballing” may occur in the delicate areas between toes and pads. Protective booties or a product like Musher’s Secret, which is used on sledding dogs, can help ease extreme conditions on sensitive pads.

Myth: Dogs do not absorb antifreeze or harmful chemicals on walks through their paws.

Fact: A dog’s pads are more resilient than other parts of his body, but chemicals can be absorbed through them. In turn, chemicals like antifreeze can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. Wipe dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the feet.

Myth: Coats are for show and really do not keep pets warm in the winter months since animals have a natural fur coat.

Fact: Dogs and cats get cold, particularly short-haired breeds, senior citizens, puppies, and pets with medical conditions. Look for an insulated sweater with a turtleneck, that covers the belly, and that allows for protection from neck to tip of tail.

Myth: Dogs should gain weight in the winter to keep their fat ratio up and stay warm.

Fact: Not always. Though dogs are more sedentary in winter months, gaining weight as a form of insulation is not always advised. Indoor dogs who participate in strenuous activities or winter sports may require additional food in colder months. A recent study from the Association for Pet Obesity revealed that 53 percent of cats and 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese in the United States. Keep a pet’s heart, organs, and joints healthy and keep an eye on their weight year round.

Myth: Thought a humidifier may help people, it does not do much for our pets during winter heating season.

Fact: Dry air in the home can make pets itchier, cause dry noses, upper respiratory infections, more dander, and dry throats. Consider a humidifier, talk to the veterinarian about skin conditioners and fatty acid supplements for healthy skin.

Myth: Fleas will not affect my pet during the winter months.

Fact: Though fleas may not survive in brutal winter temperatures outside, the warmth of home means fleas gravitate towards indoor comfort where they can affect pets. Using a natural, safer product with no chemicals, and a safe alternative for pest control and prevention during colder months. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions.
  

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Washington, DC - A Video Captured a Herd of Deer Frolicking in the Snow in Cleveland Park – January 23, 2016

The scene in Washington, D.C. on Saturday is a sea of white, thanks to a crippling storm that could dump up to 30 inches of snow in some areas.

While the potentially historic blizzard is extremely dangerous, the local wildlife in D.C. seem to be enjoying themselves. A video captured in Cleveland Park in the early morning hours on Saturday shows a herd of deer frolicking carelessly in the snowy conditions.

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Washington, DC - Smithsonian National Zoo: Tian Tian, the Giant Panda Frolicking in the Snow

The Smithsonian National Zoo shared a video of its giant panda Tian Tian frolicking in the snow.

While most D.C. residents hunkered down to ride out the storm, at least one was having the time of his life.

The Smithsonian National Zoo shared a video of its giant panda Tian Tian frolicking in the snow Saturday morning. In the video, Tian Tian rolled down a snowy hill, covering himself in the white stuff.

Unfortunately, you won't get to see Tian Tian's snow dance in person. The National Zoo is closed through Sunday because of the severe weather. But hopefully, the adorable video above will hold you over.

Snow will continue to fall across the D.C. metro area Saturday, creating near whiteout conditions when combined with wind gusts of up to 30 mph. A blizzard warning is in effect for the D.C. area until Sunday at 6 a.m.

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Warnings - The Dangers of Shoveling Snow: Why Some People Drop Dead While Shoveling Snow

Each approaching blizzard brings warnings about the dangers of shoveling snow, an activity that sends thousands of Americans to emergency rooms each winter. Don't tackle the walkway if you aren't in good enough shape, say the experts. You can get hurt or, even worse, trigger a heart attack or stroke.

Medically speaking, a person is indeed more likely to keel over while heaving snow than, say, jogging on a treadmill. But why?

"Physically, what happens when you get really cold is you have constriction of the blood vessels," says Lawrence Phillips, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. "It decreases the blood supply you're getting to your vital organs."

That's bad news for people with heart problems, diabetes or high blood pressure. But just as big a problem is that many people dig in despite not having exercised in weeks or months or years. "If you haven't been exercising and you haven't been exerting yourself, this is not the time to start," Phillips said. "The amount of work that goes into shoveling snow is tremendous. ... People will underestimate the amount of work they are doing."

At the gym, he noted, it's easy to hop off a treadmill when you start feeling winded or to slip out of that spin class early. But shoveling snow tends to be a "goal-oriented" activity. Call it pride, stubbornness or maybe naivete, but men especially tend to keep at it until the job is finished -- or, too often, until disaster strikes.

"They are pushing to clear a driveway or a sidewalk," Phillips said, "and they aren't thinking about how their bodies are responding to that."

William Suddath, an interventional cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, likens it to "beginning a weightlifting program in freezing temperatures without any preparation."

Suddath has witnessed the consequences firsthand. During the epic "Snowmaggedon" that hit the Washington region in 2010, his hospital saw a wave of emergencies involving people who'd suffered heart attacks while shoveling the mountains of snow.

"Heart attack rates go up, sudden deaths go up," he said, with the weather often preventing paramedics from reaching people as quickly as they otherwise might. "Some heart attacks likely will not be reversed as they could have been in another situation. It's a major problem during a snowstorm when you just can't get to patients."

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Snowy Owl Caught on Traffic Camera

A Montreal traffic camera captured stunning images of a snowy owl in flight over a highway earlier this week.

A series of images were taken on Jan. 3 by a traffic camera over Montreal’s Highway 40, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported.

The owl appears in the corner of the frame, flies toward the camera and past it.

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Myths/Facts About Protecting Your Pets in the Winter

We love our pets as family members, so it is our responsibility to make sure that they are safe and warm in the winter.

Here are some myths/facts about caring for your pets:

Myth: Unlike summertime where a car acts as a greenhouse and can cause harm and even death to pets, a pet is safer in a car during winter months.

Fact: Pets can freeze to death even in a short period of time. Cars act as a refrigerator in cold months. A dog alone in a car, no matter the season, is a target for thieves.

Myth: All ice melts are created equal.

Fact: Not all ice melts are formulated to keep pets safe. Pet-safe ice melts like Morton Safe-T-Pet are salt- and chloride-free, which is safer on pet paws and stomachs. Never use a human grade ice melt, and always sprinkle Safe-T-Pet on sidewalks; do not pile product and risk Fido or Fluffy’s health.

Myth: A dog’s pads protect them from all elements of weather.

Fact: Though a dog’s pads contain much fatty tissue that does not freeze as easily as other tissues, protection against scuffing, scraping, cutting, and ice damage is crucial in winter months. Ice cubes and “snowballing” may occur in the delicate areas between toes and pads. Protective booties or a product like Musher’s Secret, which is used on sledding dogs, can help ease extreme conditions on sensitive pads.

Myth: Dogs do not absorb antifreeze or harmful chemicals on walks through their paws.

Fact: A dog’s pads are more resilient than other parts of his body, but chemicals can be absorbed through them. In turn, chemicals like antifreeze can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. Wipe dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the feet.

Myth: Coats are for show and really do not keep pets warm in the winter months since animals have a natural fur coat.

Fact: Dogs and cats get cold, particularly short-haired breeds, senior citizens, puppies, and pets with medical conditions. Look for an insulated sweater with a turtleneck, that covers the belly, and that allows for protection from neck to tip of tail.

Myth: Dogs should gain weight in the winter to keep their fat ratio up and stay warm.

Fact: Not always. Though dogs are more sedentary in winter months, gaining weight as a form of insulation is not always advised. Indoor dogs who participate in strenuous activities or winter sports may require additional food in colder months. A recent study from the Association for Pet Obesity revealed that 53 percent of cats and 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese in the United States. Keep a pet’s heart, organs, and joints healthy and keep an eye on their weight year round.

Myth: Thought a humidifier may help people, it does not do much for our pets during winter heating season.

Fact: Dry air in the home can make pets itchier, cause dry noses, upper respiratory infections, more dander, and dry throats. Consider a humidifier, talk to the veterinarian about skin conditioners and fatty acid supplements for healthy skin.

Myth: Fleas will not affect my pet during the winter months.

Fact: Though fleas may not survive in brutal winter temperatures outside, the warmth of home means fleas gravitate towards indoor comfort where they can affect pets. Using a natural, safer product with no chemicals, and a safe alternative for pest control and prevention during colder months. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions.

  

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Washington, DC - The Washington Humane Society: Saving Lives…It’s What They Do: Meet Snow

Days away from death, Snow came into our care after a concerned citizen called our Humane Law Enforcement team to investigate a possible case of cruelty. Emaciated, dehydrated, and with gaping sores on her legs, Snow was a heartbreaking shell of what a healthy dog should be. It was clear she urgently needed medical attention.

Over the course of a two month recovery in foster care, Snow went from 22 to 47 pounds; her wounds healed and her bandages were removed; and her coat, which had been stained a dull yellow from sitting in her own waste, grew in soft and white. Though she was a victim of serious neglect, and had every reason to never trust another human again, Snow welcomes hugs from children, greets strangers with enthusiasm, and is happiest snuggling into the warm bodies of her human family.

Before Snow had even finished recovering, the WHS Humane Law Enforcement team was hard at work to bring her justice. The case against her abuser is ongoing, but we are proud to report that an arrest has been made and the alleged abuser has been charged with Felony Animal Cruelty.

You can help provide justice and a second chance for sweet animals like Snow. Will you give to WHS today? With your help, WHS can intervene in serious abuse cases like Snow’s with the confidence that you care and that you will continue to support our vital, life-saving work. We wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season full of joy and happiness. Thank you for being a steadfast friend to the Washington Humane Society. www.washhumane.org/HolidayGift

Website: Washington Humane Society

If you would like to donate to help animals like Snow, click on the picture below:

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The Pet Tree House Supports the Washington Humane Society

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Grizzly Bears Are Waking Up Early This Year, and Climate Change Could Make That a Bad Habit

What could wake a hibernating bear? An abnormally warm winter, apparently.

Yellowstone National Park’s 150 grizzly bears are on the move, according to the National Park Service, which confirmed the first bear sighting of the year on Feb. 9—almost a month earlier than usual. That could be due to climate change.

The past decade has been the hottest on record for Yellowstone, about 1.4 degrees above the region’s 20th century average.

To read more on this story, click here: Grizzly Bears Are Waking Up Early This Year, and Climate Change Could Make That a Bad Habit FOLLOW US!

Pet Safety During Cold Weather: Animals Can Suffer Frostbite and Hypothermia Despite Fur Coats

Huntsville, Ala. (WHNT) – With wind chills expected to hover around minus-5 degrees this week, you’ll likely feel cold even if you’re wearing a fur coat.  That goes for the four-legged members of our families who have natural fur coats.

The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association put out a reminder for pet owners to be prepared to protect their pets against the severe cold.

To read more on this story, click here: Pet Safety During Cold Weather: Animals Can Suffer Frostbite and Hypothermia Despite Fur Coats FOLLOW US!

If You Are Cold, They Are Cold - Please Remember to Bring Your Pets Inside!

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Help Feral Cats Stay Warm This Winter: How to Make a Feral Cat Shelter

Help feral cats stay warm this winter! The shelter I built is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to help (You can also add a plastic/vinyl flap over the opening once a cat as begun to use the shelter to protect them even more from the elements). So if you really love cats, please share this video with your Friends.

Posted on November 12, 2014 by lurulusa



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What to Do If You See a Pet Left Out in the Cold

Cold weather can be deadly for pets. As the temperature plummets in many parts of the country, The Humane Society of the United States sees a marked increase in the number of complaints about dogs and cats who have been left outside with no food or shelter.

To read more on this story, click here: What to Do If You See a Pet Left Out in the Cold FOLLOW US!