Dog lovers prep for K-9 winter safety
JACKSON, Tenn. — Humans are not the only ones needing extra care during this winter blast. Experts say our pets need some close attention to keep them safe as well. “I’m not going to let my dog freeze,” Barbara Bratcher said. For Bratcher, this is the first winter with her 11-month-old mutt mix, Jade. With recent record-breaking cold temps, Bratcher says she is not taking any chances with Jade’s health. “She’s got a little fluffy pillow like thing that if she was in that igloo, she would be in that fluffy,” Bratcher said. Some say K-9s can face the same health risks as people when it comes to cold weather. “Colds, respiratory infections — they can get frost bite if they’re not dry and it freezes,” said Regina Henry, team leader at Tractor Supply Company in Lexington. “If their feet are cold and icy, they can get frostbite just like we do.” Bratcher said she bought a hoodie for jade because of her short fur. “But to me, that wasn’t enough, so I brought her in my house today,” Bratcher said. Not every dog can come inside. That is why some recommend adding a few extra layers to the dog house such as pine wood shavings. Henry said keeping dogs warm and dry during winter will not set you back a bag of bones. “Say you get a dog house, a dog bed, a heat lamp and a bulb — you can get that for less than $100,” Henry said. Henry said the size of a dog house is also important and that it needs to be cozy but not too big or small. “That way their body heat kind of warms the inside air and keeps them warm,” Henry said. Experts say even though it is cold, keeping your dog hydrated is also important. Tractor Supply Company employees said one of their most popular items right now is a heated dog bowl designed to keep water from freezing.
