Protect Pets From Harmful Winter Weather: Prince George's County Animal Services

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Even with a short-term warmup in temperatures looming, the Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center reminds pet owners that when their four-legged loved ones go outside for a walk or to go potty, closely monitor their exposure to the elements.

Furthermore, if your dog stays outdoors in cold weather, county law requires the following:

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

If you see a pet out in the cold without proper shelter, contact ASFAC at (301) 780-7200. Pets left outside without food, and proper shelter are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and death.

Other tips pet owners should consider, courtesy of the county animal services facility and adoption center:

• Keep kittens, puppies under six months, and small or short-haired dogs inside.
• Increase the amount of food for outdoor dogs as they 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, it 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, 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 the summer heat.
• 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 is important too, as is some extra food. Cover the hutch with a tarp.
• If outdoor cats are 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, visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com or contact the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center at (301) 780-7200.