Keep Your Pets From Becoming Pupcicles: Cold Weather Tips

Cold weather can pose serious threats to your four-legged family members, say Prince George’s County Animal Management Division officials, who recommends residents keep their pets inside.

The county encourages pet owners to closely monitor their pets’ exposure to the winter elements and provides these tips to help keep your pooch healthy and warm.

If your dog stays outdoors in cold weather, county law requires:

• A doghouse of proper size that is dry, draft free and raised off the ground.
• ​​A wind flap attached to the doghouse to keep cold air out and warm air in.
• ​​Bedding that is non-absorbent such as straw or wood shavings to help keep the dog warm.
• ​Routinely check your pet’s drinking water to make sure it is not frozen and use a secured container to prevent tipping.

Other cold weather safety tips include:

• Keep kittens and puppies under six months, and small or short-haired dogs inside.
• ​Increase the amount of their food. Outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter to produce body heat.
• Never let your dog off their leash in the snow or ice. They can become disoriented and lost, even in a familiar place. Be sure your pet has an ID tag, microchip and sturdy leash.
• Wipe your pet’s paws after an outing with a wet cloth to remove any ice or chemicals used to melt snow on sidewalks that can irritate their paws. Salt can irritate or burn, as well as cause vomiting and in some pets, can even cause seizures. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to pets and can be deadly if ingested.
• Keep your pets indoors during freezing temperatures. If left unattended outdoors they can get frostbite or become disorientated and freeze to death. Hypothermia can result from extended exposure to cold and is a life-threatening condition.
• Don’t leave your pet in a closed car in the winter because it can be just as deadly as in the summer.
• If you have bunnies who live outside, make sure they have a warm, dry hutch with plenty of bedding that is out of the wind. Water and extra food are also important. Cover the hutch with a tarp.
• If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on your car hood before starting the engine to give them a chance to escape. Cats like to seek shelter from the cold and can be under the hood of your car.

For more information about pet care contact the Animal Services Facility at (301) 780-7200.

To view the many homeless animals available for adoption, click here.