Politics & Government

McHenry County Government: How To Recognize Signs Of Cold Intolerance In Dogs

The McHenry County Animal Control (MCAC) reminds residents that cold tolerance varies among animals. While any dog can be susceptible to ...

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(McHenry County Government)

Press release from the McHenry County Government:

01/26/2022 4:00 PM

The McHenry County Animal Control (MCAC) reminds residents that cold tolerance varies among animals. While any dog can be susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, some may tolerate more time outside this winter than others.

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Factors such as age, breed, and health play a part in how well a dog can tolerate cold weather. Concerned citizens should look for signs of distress in dogs before calling Animal Control or law enforcement.

Signs of distress include shivering, tail tucked between legs, whining/anxiety, reluctance to move, lifting paws, and snow or ice buildup in paw pads or coat.

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The MCAC would also like to remind pet owners who let their animals outside that there are several steps they can take to protect their pets during the winter freeze

“Harsh winter conditions can be just as dangerous to our pets as it can be for people,” said Maryellen Howell, Director of the McHenry County Animal Control, “If animals must be kept outside, the county ordinance requires them to have adequate shelter, as defined in the ordinance, and constant access to fresh, drinkable water.”

Howell offered the following additional tips to keep your pets safe during extreme weather:

  • If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pets. Keep your animals inside whenever possible. When temperatures reach subzero, even outdoor pets should be brought inside until the severe cold has passed.

     

  • Never shave your pets down to their skin and avoid bathing them as often when it’s freezing. Cats or dogs can, and do, get frostbite and hypothermia. Never shave your pet down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your cat or dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater.

     

  • Don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather. Cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death. Additionally, outdoor cats sometimes seek shelter underneath cars. Bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give cats a chance to escape.

     

  • Properly dry your pet’s feet and stomach after they come in from a walk. Use a towel to remove ice, salt and chemicals from your pet. Massaging petroleum jelly such as Vaseline into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. 

     

  • Call for help if you find an animal is in distress. If an animal is in immediate distress, law enforcement should be notified immediately. Animal cruelties can be reported to MCAC by phone, (815) 459-6222, or email, MCAC@mchenrycountyil.gov.

    • For more information about keeping your pet safe during harsh winter weather visit,  www.chicagovma.org, www.aspca.org or Animal Control. 

     

    This press release was produced by the McHenry County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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