Cold Weather and Cold Pets

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – With the temperature being down in the teens during the next few days, people that own pets need to help make them comfortable.

For primarily outside animals it’s nice to have buildings such as garages and barns so the animals can get out of the cold temperatures. Assistant Director at the Animal Shelter Charity Stevens said another helpful thing to have is a heated water bowl so the water won’t freeze.

“If you’re going to keep your dog outside we recommend that you use straw because it does not hold moisture like hay,” said Stevens. “Sometimes people like to use hay because it’s convenient and they have easy access to it, but unfortunately with hay it does hold moisture. So we always recommend you use straw and then the straw will help conduct heat for the dog to keep them warm.”

Stevens said for those that may like to dress their dogs in coats for walks, can do so. However, keep animals well attended while they’re in the clothes for if the animal eats the coat their introducing a foreign body to their digestive system.

“This morning how it was kind of icy out and snowing people were throwing salt, one of the things you want to be careful with,” said Stevens. “With your pet is the salt can get in their pads and actually cause burns if you don’t use pet safe salt. So if you’re using regular salt, that’s okay but you need to make sure every time you’re bringing your pet inside, that you’re cleaning their pads.

Stevens encourages people to keep taking their pets out to play in the cold weather, so they can release their energy instead of bottling it up due to being inside all day.