Keep Your Pets Safe During the Cold Weather and Meet Our Pets of the Week

It’s insanely cold outside for most Atlantans, and when we’re cold, so are our pets. Here are some precautions you can take to make sure your pets are safe during this winter weather.

Keep Your Pets Inside. Like people, cats and dogs are at risk for getting frostbite and hypothermia, so keep them inside, especially when the temperature is below freezing. If you’re concerned about your pet having accidents or damaging the house while you’re at work, you have options. One option is to crate them and hire a pet sitter to take them outside. Other options include boarding them for the day at your veterinarian’s clinic or a doggie daycare, or to ask a neighbor to stop by and let your pets out for a potty break.

Limit Outdoor Time: While dogs with thick coats and long hair may be better able to withstand the cold, they are still at risk in cold weather, so shorten their outside playtime and walks. Pets with short legs get cold quickly, because their bodies are closer to the cold ground, and short-haired pet have less protection, so consider putting a dog sweater or jacket on them as well. Also, very young or very old pets should only be taken outside on potty breaks, since both are more prone to health problems from extreme temperatures.

Honk Your Horn: During the winter, many cats enjoy the heat that car engines provide – with deadly consequences. So bang on your hood and honk your horn before starting your care to ensure there is no one under your hood

Leave Your Pet at home: Just like hot cars, cold cars can pose a health risk to your pet. When it’s freezing outside, your car gets very cold quickly and can be dangerous to any pet left inside.

Fulton County Animal Services Pets of the Week: Betty, Roney, and Pointer

Beautiful Betty is a sweet and smiley girl, and she’s sure to make you smile too! This two-year-old girl loves everyone, including kids and other dogs, and she loves to play. Betty has a happy disposition and would be a great dog for an active family or for someone looking for a playmate for their dog. Please come meet this adorable and fun girl. And as part of our “Ring in the New Year with a New Pet” promotion, you can adopt any pet, including Betty for FREE! Her spay, vaccines and microchip are also FREE!

Roney is a very handsomel and bright-eyed Husky/Shepherd mix who has a great smile that he uses often! This smart boy has already learned some basic commands, and will learn others fast since he is intelligent and eager to please. Roney loves to play with other dogs, kids and adults. If you’re looking to add a little positivity to your household, Roney is always upbeat and is the dog for you. And right now, you can also adopt Roney for FREE.

Finally, we have Pointer, a gentle and mild-mannered dog who is three years old and loves everyone he meets! This is calm, super-sweet boy gets along well with other dogs and loves children too. He would make a great new family member. And if you’re the lucky person who adopts Pointer before the end of January, you will pay nothing! You can get this wonderful boy, a lifetime of love, his neuter, vaccines, and microchip all for FREE!

To meet Betty, Roney or Pointer, please drop by the shelter, email adoptions@fultonanimalservices.com or call 404-613-0357. To view dogs or cats available for adoption, please visit the shelter at 860 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, 30318 or go to www.fultonanimalservices.com/adopt. All potential adopters will be screened to ensure the animals are going to good homes.