Every living creature is affected by weather changes, man included. Dry sunny weather usually makes for high work efficiency. Damp gloomy weather has the reverse effect.
For those of us who have domestic pets at home, be considerate of the weather change. Each type of pet has a special need during the winter. Here are some tips that will aid you in taking better care of those special companions.Birds - Caged birds are especially sensitive to cold weather. Hypothermia and respiratory disease are common. For a healthier bird avoid drafty areas, cover cages at night and feed a high-energy diet (i.e., molting feed, apple wedges) to help combat stress.
Horses - Although horses can endure the cold successfully, they also require proper care during the winter. Make sure your horse gets annual vaccinations for rhino-pneumonitis, Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis and tetanus.
Before winter check your horse for worms and examine their teeth. Horses will burn much of their energy to keep warm. Having their teeth in good condition is necessary for the added hay they will eat during winter.
Provide your horse with a clean, dry and well-ventilated place to stay. A damp environment leads to colds, coughs and viral infections. Poor ventilation can cause respiratory disease.
If you cannot house your horse in a barn, at least provide her with a three-sided shelter, open on the downwind side. Keep the bedding dry; most bedding can cause foot infections.
Snow can ball up in badly shod hooves. Shoes should be pulled for riding in deep snow and hooves should be trimmed enough so they will not crack or break. When exercising your horse in cold weather give him more time to warm and limber his muscles. And don't forget to break the ice in your horse's water bucket!
Fish - Fish seem to adapt pretty well to the winter; some suggestions would be to leave the aquarium light on longer for the time change, make sure your heater is working efficiently so it can handle the temperature variation inside the house and move the aquarium tank if it is near a door or window.
Reptiles and spiders - Reptiles and spiders have a little more difficulty adapting to seasonal changes. Cool temperatures and the dryness in the air could affect your pet. For spiders, try misting them once or twice a week and leaving a larger water bowl in their aquarium. Or you could try a humidifier. The added humidity will aid your spider, especially if the spiders happens to molt.
To help your reptiles with dry air and cooler weather, make sure you bathe them regularly. You can also add a humidifier to your house, get a larger hot rock, add a light and put a thermometer inside the aquarium to make sure your pet isn't getting too cold.
Small mammals - Smaller mammals such as hamsters, gerbils, rats and guinea pigs handle temperature variations pretty well. Just make sure you are taking care of them properly as far as diet, water and bedding are concerned. You can supplement the diet with a vegetable or fruit. The only suggestion would be to keep the cage or aquarium away from drafts and windows.
Rabbits - Rabbits can freeze during the winter if not taken care of properly. If you own a rabbit, allowing it to burrow in the ground will keep it warm, but please make sure it cannot escape under the fence line.
Another alternative is a hutch that keeps the wind and elements away from the rabbit. Hay surrounding the hutch will keep the animal nice and snug.
Water needs to be supplied in a dish rather than a bottle during the winter. Check the water dishes regularly to make sure the water is fresh and the dishes haven't been turned upside down. Rabbits love to play with their water dishes. If you can, secure the water bowl but provide play toys for the rabbit so it doesn't get bored.
Always provide quality rabbit food from a feed store. Rabbits do like treats, carrots, grains, graham crackers and all kinds of leafy vegetables and fruits, but not too much at one time.
Many other pets may have special needs during the cold months. Don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Additional note: Dr. Paul Barrett, of the Eye Clinic for Animals in Salt Lake City states that pet health insurance companies will and do pay for veterinary specialties services. Thanks for writing, Dr. Barrett.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding animal health or welfare, contact the Salt Lake County Animal Services Humane Education Department, 264-2247.