Pet Life Magazine, New Zealand Pet Life Magazine Issue 3 Winter 2017

Hypothermia Hypothermia is caused by over exposure to cold lowering the body’s core temperature to a dangerous level. There are many causes such as anaesthesia, shock, illness, inappropriate living conditions and exposure to cold temperatures for extended periods of time. As we move into the winter months it is important that we take the time to check on our furry friends (or in some cases n ot so furry). Hypothermia can be extremely dangerous (even fatal), especially if you have small or short-haired animals, and the risk is especially high for the young, old or ill. With hypothermia, prevention is better than a cure, so if your animals are outside you need to ensure they are housed correctly. Preferably we would like your pets brought inside, but we know this is not always possible. HUTCHED ANIMALS – GUINEA PIGS AND RABBITS Rabbits are quite good at withstanding cold temperatures, much better than they are with extreme heat. Cold weather can bring out their playfulness. However, in extreme cold it is best to move their hutch into a shed or garage for protection against wind chill. It is also a good idea to raise hutches off the ground to minimise rising damp. Rabbits can withstand very low temperatures if they remain dry and have adequate insulation to conserve body heat. Guinea pigs are not burrowers so you may need to make them a smaller bed (boxed area) that they can go into to help stay warm. Through the winter months, both rabbits and guinea pigs may benefit from an increase in bedding materials such as hay or straw to assist with insulation, as well as slightly more food – they will use extra energy to keep warm. CATS If you have indoor cats then they are probably set up already with warm beds. Some cats may even have clothes to wear to stay warm. With outdoor cats, it is a good idea to try and get them to come in at night when the temperature drops. In extremely cold weather it is important to keep an eye on the condition of paws and noses as cats can get frostbite just like us. Chris Gilbert – Pleasant Point Deborah Lloyd - Mosgiel Pat Godsmark - Auckland Ms T Diamond – Te Horo Mel Anderson - Christchurch Michelle Welgemoed - Papamoa Rose Garratt - Auckland Julia Hamilton - Southland Katie Mitchell - Napier Barbara Godfrey - Kaiapoi Natalie Kearney - Napier Kat McAra - Christchurch DOGS If possible, it is a good idea to bring dogs in overnight to ensure they stay warm. If that is not possible then make sure they have lots of bedding to stay warm and preferably their kennel/ bed area needs to be raised off the ground to minimise rising damp/chill. Just as with cats, it is important to check dogs’ paws and noses regularly for any signs of damage. It may be a good idea to invest in dog booties for dogs to wear during the coldest days to protect their feet. There are also a variety of coats and jumpers available in many sizes and thicknesses that can be great to help dogs stay warm on winter walks. MILD CASES Shivering Cold to the touch Weakness Lack of mental alertness Muscle stiffness Paleness SEVERE CASES Shallow, slow breathing Difficulty breathing Stupor-like state Fixed and dilated pupils Unconsciousness Coma/death HOW TO TREAT * Move the animal to a warm, dry area. * Dry the animal if it is wet; as well as removing water it will help stimulate the blood supply. * Wrap the animal in blankets or towels – you could put the blanket in the dryer first for extra warmth. * A blow dryer can work to provide warm air – just make sure the animal is not scared of the dryer! * Heat pads and hot water bottles can also help to warm the animal up – make sure you wrap the pads up, do not apply them directly to the skin It is important that you do not warm the animal up too quickly as it can cause pain and discomfort. Think of when you get in the shower on a cold winter day and the pain you feel as the hot water hits your toes – you wouldn’t want the animal feeling that all over their body! Should an animal be slow in responding, unconscious or showing signs of injury, get them to your vet. Michelle Welgemoed - Papamoa Liz Evans - Dunedin Katie Mitchell - Napier Caroline Cornish – Taupaki Kat McAra - Christchurch Wendy Osborne - Rangiora AUTUMN ISSUE WINNERS Fay Silcock - Blenheim Athena Hapakuku - Kaiapoi Merlin Hamilton - Southland Sherleigh Nielson - Napier Nola Hall - Inglewood Michelle Catton - Whangarei

Pet Life Magazine, New Zealand Pet Life Magazine Issue 3 Winter 2017 | Page 21