Despite their fur coats, domesticated animals like cats and dogs depend on humans for protection from elements such as freezing temperatures and wind chill.
Keeping your precious animals safe and warm is easy to do by following a few simple steps. Don’t leave pets outdoors in freezing temperatures. While dogs need outdoor exercise, take note not to keep them out for lengthy periods during very cold weather. Short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. Dogs and cats are safer indoors during this type of weather, but Sherri Hendley from Best Friends Humane Society suggests if your pet can’t come inside, then please have shelter for them.
Wind chill can threaten an animal’s life, no matter what the temperature. Outdoor dogs should be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.
Companion animals spending a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter. Keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your animal’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and not frozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal because your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal in cold temperatures. Hendley wants to remind everyone who has a pet tied up to please make sure they are on a proper collar and not a chain.
Warm car engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Animals may crawl up under the hood in parked cars looking for warmth. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
De-icing chemicals are hazardous. Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your dog or cat’s feet. Wipe their paws with a damp towel each time they come in from outdoors even if you don’t see salt on walkways. Pet friendly products are available. When walking your dog, ice and snow can accumulate in the fur between your dog’s toes. This can be uncomfortable. Be sure and remove clumps as they occur.
Antifreeze is a deadly poison and can harm your precious animals. They are drawn to its sweet taste. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. There are antifreeze products made with propylene glycol which if swallowed in small amounts will not hurt pets, wildlife, or people.
Hendley stated that keeping animals safe is a year-round task; however, during extremely cold and warm temperatures, you have to be more prepared. Another item on the check list of yearly things to do for your pets is to make sure they have their rabies shots.
BFHS is now joining Pet Smart in Albany on the second Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Pet Sense in Tifton on the fourth Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. as well. Please join them any time you can. During these events, adoption prices are reduced. If you have any questions on these events or keeping your animals safe during the freezing weather, please call BFHS at (229) 777-7774.
