- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - Protect Your Pet In Cold Weather
In many areas , winter is a season of bitter , numbing cold . The American Humane Society offers the following guidelines to keep your four-legged family members safe and warm :
Keep pets indoors :
The best prescription for winter ' s woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family . The happiest dogs are taken out frequently for walks and exercise , but kept inside the rest of the time . Don ' t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops . During walks , short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater . No matter what the temperature is , windchill can threaten a pet ' s life . Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps . Exposed skin on noses , ears , and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage .
Take precautions if your pet spends a lot of time outside :
A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors . If , for some reason , your dog is outdoors much of the day , he or she must be protected by a dry , draft-free shelter large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably , but small enough to hold in his / her body heat . The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with straw . The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic .
Help neighborhood outdoor cats :
If there are outdoor cats in your area , either owned pets , strays , or ferals , remember that they need protection from the elements , as well as food and water .
Give your pets plenty of food and water :
Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy . Routinely check your pet ' s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen . Use plastic food and water bowls ; when the temperature is low , your pet ' s tongue can stick and freeze to metal .
Be careful with cats , wildlife , and cars :
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife , who may crawl up under the hood . To avoid injuring any hidden animals , bang on your car ' s hood to scare them away before starting your engine .
Protect paws from salt :
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet ' s feet . Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his / her mouth .
Avoid antifreeze poisoning :
Antifreeze is a deadly poison , but its sweet taste attracts animals and children . Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze out of reach . Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic , but still dangerous .
Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold :
If you encounter a pet left in the cold , document what you see : the date , time , exact location and type of animal , plus as many details as possible . Video and photographic documentation ( even a cell phone photo ) will help bolster your case . Then contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff ' s office and present your evidence . Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when . Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied .
Report pets left outside in cold weather :
In PA 6 , call 866-601-7722 to report pets left outside in the cold . Pawsitively Pets -- January
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