Tips to keep your Pets safe during Freezing Temps

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping your pets Warm in freezing temps

In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm by following these simple guidelines.

1. Keep pets sheltered - Keep your pets inside with you and your family if possible.
   1. If your dog (or cat) is outdoors much of the day, they must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches from the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
   2. Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Make sure that they have adequate food.
   3. 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.

2. Bundle up, wipe down - Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Look into getting your pet a coat or sweater, especially for short hair breeds.
   1. Rock 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 their mouth.
   2. Dogs are at particular risk of salt poisoning in winter due to the rock salt used in many areas—often when licking it from their paws after a walk. Store de-icing salt in a safe place and wipe your dog’s paws, even after short walks. If your dog ingests rock salt, call a veterinarian immediately.

3. Remove common poisons - Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up any antifreeze spills immediately and keep it, like all household chemicals, out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family.

4. Protect outdoor animals - If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water.
   1. You can make your own cat shelter quickly and easily with a plastic tub.
   2. Cars are one of many hazards to small animals—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.
5. Speak out - If you encounter a pet left in the cold, politely let the owner know you're concerned. Some people genuinely do not know the risk that cold weather poses to their pets or livestock and will be quick to correct any problems you address. If someone you raise these concerns with responds poorly or continues to neglect their animals, follow our steps on reporting winter neglect.

Horse and Livestock Care  - Be sure your livestock has access to a barn or a three-sided run-in so they can escape the wind and cold. While not all horses will need to be blanketed, blankets will help horses keep warm and dry, especially if there is any rain or snow. If you’ve body-clipped your horses, keep them blanketed throughout the winter.

Always give your livestock access to unfrozen water. You can use heated buckets or water heaters/de-icers to make sure the water doesn’t freeze.

For more information on how to keep your pets safe, visit https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/five-ways-protect-pets-winter

For more Tips and Tricks, check out more of our blogs at https://www.SERVPROmayesandwagonercounties.com/blog

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