I am a fully trained and certified veterinary assistant and have worked with animals mainly canine for over 50 years so I am not just using knowledge from the internet but from personal knowledge and experience. I apologize for not putting this PSA up much sooner this year.
Our furry companions are as affected by this cold weather as humans are no matter what their breed is. Even a Huskie when kept as an indoor companion does not have what it takes to be out in subzero temperatures.All dog breeds pads, nose, ears, and even tails are prone to frostbite and it takes less time for this to happen to them no matter their size than us humans are. Have your companion do whatever they have to do as quickly as they can and take them back indoors. If they will tolerate something on their feet use doggy boots this will definitely protect their paws but doesn’t give them time to run around and play with as low as the temps are right now. If you have a dog under 5 pounds teach them to use a potty pad when the weather is so cold as they can be hypothermic in under 3 minutes. ALL dogs with short coats should have some type of jacket on again it will help offset time until they can be hypothermic.
Humans need to bundle up, preferably in layers to be outside more than about 5 minutes for the dangers of subzero temps. Even warming up your vehicle you are in danger of frost bite to any exposed skin!! I suggest wearing a scarf and hat pulled down over your ears with only enough room left for you to see as long as you are exposed to very cold temps. Make sure any age child, even high schoolers, need help being dressed to tolerate these temperatures especially if they ride a school bus. I know it might be a hassle but if your child’s school is open drive them door to door and if at all possible have someone pick them up. Our young adults, high school age, think they know almost everything but will put health concerns aside so they don’t look what they might consider “ugly” or “a losers” way of dressing and wind up frostbit or with a bad respiratory infection. I had plenty of disagreements with my older daughter and youngest son about this every school year so we came to a compromise they would bundle up to go to school and have what they really wanted to wear as the bottom layer of their clothing each day. A win-win for my family.
Remember our furry companions are as helpless as a child who can not talk yet to let us know what they need cold, hot, sick, or whatever. We as human adults can always add a layer or take one off depending on indoor and outdoor temps our children, young adults, and companions need are help. Whether it is a dog or child or young adult or yourself when you come in have a warm drink, even plain water is fine, and cuddle under a blanket for a few minutes. If there are any signs of frostbite get the companion or human to medical care as soon as possible as warming the skin properly is extremely important for not making the injury worse.
May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!
Blessed be.
If you want to see information on any tradition of witchcraft, herbs, flowers, a Goddess or a God, or anything pertaining to any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section or email Lady Carla Beltane at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. I will try to find some information to post about it.
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