INDIANAPOLIS — As the temperatures drop quickly over the next couple of days, it's time to think of how to keep your furry friend warm. While you may not want to go outside, it is important to take your pet out as much and as quickly as you can.
Dr. Rachael Campbell, with Pet Wellness Clinics, said putting your pet in layers will help them stay warm. If they do not like booties or sweaters, take time for them to get comfortable in those clothes. Wearing booties will help their paw pads not be burned by salt on the ground.
It is easy for pets to get hypothermia and frostbite. Signs you should look out for are:
- Shivering
- Whining
- Hunched posture
- Change in gum color
- Cold feet, tails and ears
- Muscle stiffness or weakness
If your pet has those symptoms, warm them slowly while you get them medical help.
While you want to limit your time outside, it's important to take your pet out for a few minutes to run and get their energy out.
"Even if they want to stay out in these temperatures because they are having fun, that doesn't mean it's good for them," Campbell said. "We do have to step in sometimes as pet owners and parents and tell them they need to come in, take a break and warm up before they can spend more time out there."
Campbell told 13News the biggest thing to remember is that you know your pet the best, and if you are cold, they are cold as well.