Pet Owners Find Innovative Ways to Beat the Blizzard Blues

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A dog and owner brave the back-to-back East Coast blizzards. (Zootoo Pet News Photo)

NEW YORK – Buried under “Snowmageddon,” Northeast and Mid-Atlantic pet owners found that the record-breaking wintry mix left them holding leashes to “invisible dogs” — dogs completely snow-covered on daily walks.

“He would just sink in and he is white, so he was camouflaged,” said Pamela Epstein, owner of French Bulldog Bowser, who typically likes the snow.

“If it is a slight snow, he enjoys it – but above six inches, it is impossible to take him out,” said Epstein, a public relations specialist in Manhattan. “The snow was taller than him.”

Bowser's experience is typical for small dogs in the winter, says pet safety expert Christina Selter.

“They jump out in that snow and just disappear inside, especially when it is soft snow that is about a foot deep,” said Selter, founder of Bark Buckle UP in San Clemente, CA. Selter explained that snow is one of the most dangerous elements a pet can face.

“People don't think about letting them out in the snow,” Selter said. “The elements are just as tough on them as on us. Definitely, owners should use booties for protection against the salt and cold.”

Selter also recommends that owners keep both feline and canine pals indoors, especially when areas are faced with blizzard conditions. When pets have to relieve themselves, Selter offers a safe solution — the PottyPatch, made of synthetic grass and the only pet bathroom endorsed by the American Kennel Club. “It is just safer, to keep them from getting hurt, injured, or lost,” said Selter.

As an added benefit, the change of elimination location is not habit-forming or confusing to dogs. “They don't have a problem remembering,” Selter said. “They still know they can go to the potty in the house or during the walks.”

Epstein had used the PottyPatch to housebreak Bowser as a puppy, but set it up again after one particular walk in the blizzard, when Bowser shivered so much that he had difficulty urinating.

“There are situations when it is not safe for him to go outside for a walk,” Epstein commented. “It is really a useful tool.” Epstein noted how Bowser scratched on the door less than normal as the storm raged outside and instead, relieved himself on the patch.

Selter cautions that the PottyPatch – and inclement weather in general – can lead to a reduced activity level for pets. “Just like children, if they get bored, they get destructive. Keep their toys around and get them moving even if it's just for 15 or 20 minutes," said Selter. She recommends finding creative ways to keep both cats and dogs active, such as taking dogs for walks inside the house.

“They know they are going for a walk, so that gets their adrenaline up, gets them excited. Even up and down the halls, up the stairs, they'll follow you,” said Selter.

Your own exercise regimen can also help your pets, according to Selter. “Even standing in front of the TV and doing Wii, younger dogs will get excited and will be wiggling around with you. But with older dogs, it might take a little more effort to get them up and around,” Selter said. “So the key is finding what works for your dog and getting them active.”

In addition to keeping your pets healthy with alternative bathroom options and creative playtime, here are more tips for beating the snowy weather:

1. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing harm to the animal.

2. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside, or use the PottyPatch. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

3. Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

4. Animals need a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.

5. If possible, keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

6. 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. If 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.

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