Pet owners around here tend to deal with warm weather, but the recent South Florida cold snap has local experts warning about hypothermia and other potential health problems.
?Dogs and cats have much less tolerance for cold weather in Florida then they do in the steamy days of summer,? said Dr. Andrew Turkell, founder of the Calusa Veterinary Center in Boca Raton.
Weather experts expect chilly readings in the mid to upper 40s this evening, and another potential cold front next week.
Turkell recommends:
Bring pets inside, especially young and old and those that recently underwent surgery. Cold has a severe negative effect on arthritic conditions and can cause severe hypothermia and death.
Be careful with space heaters. They can be knocked over and ignite something nearby, including pet hair.
Call a local veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet is reacting poorly to lowered-temperatures. Signs be prolonged shivering, lethargic behavior or unconsciousness. As a pet becomes colder, heart rate slows, stomach acid production increases which may lead to gastric ulcers. The cold also decreases blood oxygen and can cause pancreatitis.
And don?t forget to sign up for weather-rleated Sun Sentinel Mobile Text Alerts.
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