Keeping Your Pets Safe In The Cold Weather

The coldest weather of the season is upon us and we do everything to make sure that we are staying warm during these frigid days and nights.

However, while we take care of ourselves we might forget about taking extra care of our pets.

Executive Director Jody Murray talked to us on Tuesday, January 19th, about some safety precautions that should be addressed to ensure the safety of our pets during cold weather outbreaks.

“Limit the time that your pets are outside, because when you add in the cold weather and wind, they wont do well outside. Also, when you are taking them outside, please keep an eye on them. This way if they happen to get disoriented from the cold temperatures you can see them and then be able to get them inside as soon as possible,” said Murray.

Murray said that it’s important that animals that stay outside have a well-insulated shelter, an abundance amount of food, and fresh water. Often times when temperatures are below freezing their water bowls will freeze over and it’s important that they get water throughout the day.

Ultimately, when temperatures are dropping well below freezing its best to bring your pets inside.

“Maybe bring them in the garage, move their house inside, so it’s not in direct contact with the wind. As humans you know we get really cold we go outside, and animals are going to get just as cold as us,” said Murray.

Murray also mentioned that for people that walk their pets on salt treated surfaces that its important to get into a routine of cleaning the bottoms of their feet.  This will help to avoid irritations and infections from the salt and chemicals getting into their paws.