Plan for pets on frosty nights

It’s only natural to look to the sky every now and then, expecting little white flakes to drift through the air — especially when one is greeted with twinkling lights and jolly holiday tunes at every turn.

The reality that Christmas is just three weeks away is inescapable, yet even with the drop in temperatures in the last couple of weeks, most days are still in the 50s and sunny.

There have, however, been a couple of tell-tale signs lately that winter is tiptoeing into the area, even if it is doing it in typical High Plains style.

Sign number one: the sound of whooshing air followed by groaning ducts, screeching smoke alarms and the distinctive smell of burning dust the first time the thermostat is flipped to the red zone.

Sign two: the surprise assault of an exceptionally strong, grit-filled world of wind that makes it near impossible to walk forward yet sends the neighbor’s backyard toys and an occasional billboard skittering down the street with ease — if only you wanted to spend the day stuck to the closest chain link fence with tumbleweeds and plastic grocery bags for company it might actually be helpful.

Some other signs only the astutely observant might have noticed: everything is brown, sand spurs poke tender toes through sock-clad feet with frightening frequency and accuracy, nostrils are painfully dry, lips are chapped and four out of five people sound like they are breathing and speaking through airways stuffed with soggy cotton.

If, however, one is looking for fluffy flakes and sparkling icicles as proof of winter, disappointment may result.

While there’s a chance of snow mixed with rain today and mid-30 temps, long-range Accuweather forecasts project the rest of the month will be dry — possibly a little snow Wednesday morning and a chance of icy rain at month’s end, but that’s it for moisture — with warm daytime temperatures in the mid-to-upper 50s most days.

As deceptive as the warm days may be, however, it’s important to remember when the sun goes down, things turn brutally cold and everything is frozen by the morning — which means not only do pets still need winter consideration and care, the drastic change from day to night can be particularly hard on them.

• Consider sweaters, especially for nighttime potty runs — small, short-haired and older pets may need extra help fighting the chill.

• Bring outdoor pets in at night. If coming inside isn’t an option, provide wind-proof shelter — a doghouse, garage, shed or other enclosure — with straw, wood shavings or other bedding to help pets retain body heat.

• Hang hoses and cover outdoor faucets — cold nights mean frozen faucets, hoses and water bowls, possibly for hours until the sun gets warm enough to thaw them. Plan ahead so there’s plenty for the critters to drink.

• Feed more — critters, especially those outdoors, burn extra calories to keep warm. Increase portions and fat content to give them more fuel to work with in cold spells.

• Be watchful and heat with care — heat lamps, space heaters, stoves and fireplaces can cause fires and injuries to pets. Also, check open chimneys and stove pipes before lighting fires and inspect vehicle wheel wells and engine compartments for heat-seeking refugees before turning the key.

• Food resources are limited or nonexistent, water is hard to find and shelter is critical in winter for wildlife and strays. Providing shelters, water and food can be a lifesaving kindness.

Enjoy the warm days, plan for frosty nights, and find comfort in knowing that if and when the real cold comes, staying warm will be second nature.

Sharna Johnson is always searching for ponies. You can reach her at [email protected]