Tips For Keeping Pets Safe During a Blizzard

With the approaching blizzard expected to hit the area this weekend, the Nassau County SPCA urges pet owners to make preparations ahead of the storm to keep their families and pets safe.

Here’s some tips for local pet owners to help keeping pets safe:

• The most important thing pet owners should do is to bring their pets indoors, if conditions are unsafe for humans, they are also unsafe for pets.

• Always bring pets, indoors, including outdoor cats, at the first sign or warning of a storm. A snow storm is no place a pet.

• Don’t let your dog off the leash after heavy snowfall. Dogs can lose their scent during winter storms and easily become lost.

• Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification.

• Deep snow cover can confuse a pet and cover their familiar scent landmarks. It is easier, and more dangerous, for your pet to be lost in snowy weather so keep an eye on them at all times when outdoors.

• Stock up ahead of time on all pet food and medicine your animals may need-travel may be much more difficult or impossible.

• Prepare for a power outage, especially if your family includes fish, reptiles or pocket pets.

• Keep a pet emergency kit and supplies handy with items such as medical records, water, pet food and medications, and pet first aid supplies.

• Clean off your dog’s paws with a moist washcloth after going outside. Snow-melting salt can be very painful to dogs’ feet and can make them ill when ingested.

• Have a coat and booties ready for any dog that needs them. Be ready to protect your pets from very strong wind and cold.

• The Nassau County SPCA Pet Safe urges pet owners to develop an emergency plan that accounts for the safety of their animals and to stay up to date on storm warnings in their area. Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind.