Most Garden State residents dread the inevitability of old man winter’s bitter cold soon blanketing backyards under mounds of snow and sheets of ice signalling lengthy hibernation awaits. And while people pine for sunny solace in the Caribbean in coming months, household pets face their own survival challenges bracing for frigid temps and hazardous conditions ahead.
As veterinarians constantly on the winter roads meeting pet patients at home through mobile vet visits, we feel a responsibility beyond medicine sharing seasonal preparation guidance ensuring beloved animals don’t get left out in the elements in a region known for polar vortexes and blustery nor’easters. Don’t leave fur kids out in the cold! Heed this advice preempting winter woes:
Health & Grooming Boosts
Proactivity prevents the shivering, cracked paws and snow-caked coats accompanying harsh storms and plunging degrees most. Maximize cold resistance through:
Wellness Exams – Book annual checkups addressing any underlying issues leaving immune defenses compromised when the holidays hit. Discuss supplements boosting immunity and regulating thyroid function impacting tolerance. Heart, lung and joint troubles especially worsen cold crisis risk. Get ahead now!
Medication Reviews – Certain chronic meds like steroids and NSAIDs reduce platelet function and artery integrity making extremities more prone to frostbite. Have us verify current pharmaceutical regimens or explore alternate options if higher vulnerability concerns you before the ground fully freezes over. Adjust course early!
Dental Care – Bleeding inflamed gums and dental infections stretch beyond causing simple mouth pain. Both dramatically lower resistance fighting off Winter bugs and pneumonia threats. Nip issues in the bud through proactive cleanings and extractions avoiding added health assaults when vigilant cold viruses take aim.
Coat Conditioning – Resist shaving coats too close prematurely. Thick underlayers insulate better retaining body heat despite the impulse for summer crew cuts. However, neatly trim excess fur dangling between paw pads or toes that may snag painful ice chunks building up during winter walks. Find balance keeping comfortable and protected!
Gear Upgrades Suiting Snow
Trudging through the tundra demands so much more than sunshine strolls come Spring. Upgrade fall/winter walking gear keeping pace…and pets nice and toasty despite the journey ahead:
Paw Protections – Try wax-based moisturizers creating invisible shields preventing snowball build-up and ice abrasions across paws. We also custom fit protective booties securely fastening over feet for added insulation on extra frigid days. Tread safely in style without painful burns from salt crystals lurking on sidewalks and driveways too!
Insulated Vests – Retain body heat keeping the core comfy draping thermal or even water-resistant shells over pets prone to shivering or easily dampened during winter walks. Make sure to size appropriately allowing full limb range of motion. Available options suit everything from tiny teacup pups to barrel-chested breeds.
Reflective Leashes/Collars – Visibility takes on renewed importance when fewer daylight hours leave pets pedestrians hard to spot in early evening gloom. Upgrade leashes, harnesses and collars featuring luminescent fabrics, microprism tape strips and LED components broadcasting Fido’s presence to prevent tragic collisions. Stay safe and seen!
Outdoor Shelters – When bitter nights demand pets sleep indoors, ensure outdoor-only animals like community cats and guard dogs receive properly insulated and weather-proofed shelters raised off frosty terrain. Use straw bedding for nest insulation and install heating discs powered by outdoor outlets. We check proper winter set ups during annual exams!
Brace pets for old man winter’s wrath through proactive planning NOW, well before more brutal forecasts sweep the region off its feet. Ask our seasoned mobile vet staff any nagging cold weather questions always top of mind keeping animal companions protected when the wooly months roar in. Stay warm and healthy out there until sunny spring decides to make its comeback again!