SEMO Pets: Animals need winter gear, too

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - When people go outside in weather like the Heartland is currently experiencing, they bundle up. Some animals need that same protection from the elements.

“When they’re outside, their body temperature drops, just like ours, so we want to make sure that we keep them warm,” said SEMO Pets director Jenn Farmer.

Sweaters, or jackets, and booties can help short-haired pets stay safe during quick trips outside to do their business.

Using two-month-old puppy Twister as a model, Farmer showed how to dress pets for warmth. Twister does well with the booties, but some pets struggle.

“It’s so funny, some of them will do the high-step, some of them just walk, he ran in the snow so he was just fine,” Farmer said.

Pet booties, which can be purchased from pet stores and other places that sell pet supplies, slip on like socks.

Farmer said they’ll likely eventually slide off the animal’s feet. Thankfully, the gear is only necessary during the animals’ brief time outside.

For people without pets who want to help animals, Farmer said donations are the way to go.

SEMO Pets is a nonprofit, and donations are all that keep them going. The group sells some of the donated items, very cheaply.

“We have a bunch of sweaters here, so if you want to come out and get a sweater, you can come out and do that.”

It may go without saying, but fosters are always in high demand.

“That is huge right now,” Farmer said. “Because we are so full, we’re trying to keep the animals warm, ones that have been out, so the fosters help open up some kennels.”

If a pet is outside for too long, they can get frostbite on their nose or paws. Even if it doesn’t go that far, their paw pads could become raw from cold.

“The veterinarian I talked to this morning, she mentioned using Vaseline, over the counter, on them,” Farmer said. “As well as there are some ointments the veterinarian can help you with.”

For pets who do develop hypothermia, Farmer said lukewarm towels are the way to go. A blanket fresh from the dryer can also be used to wrap them in.

No hot towels or blankets should be used on an animal with hypothermia.

To see more ways to help SEMO Pets, or to view adoptable pets like Twister, visit their website.