Tips on Keeping Pets Safe in Cold Weather

The cold weather has arrived with temperatures on Monday hitting in the low-30s with wind chill temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees and Tuesday’s temperature hitting near 18 degrees with a wind chill temperature of 4 degrees.

The cold weather can pose serious threats to local pet’s health.

The Suffolk County SPCA provided some tips to keeping your pets safe during cold weather.

• 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 life-threatening condition.
• Be alert to frostbite. Skin can turn red, white or gray and scaly. If you suspect frostbite, contact your vet immediately.
• Be aware of exposure time. Dogs who are ill, old, very young, or shorthaired cannot endure prolonged exposure to winter weather. Take them out only to relieve themselves.
• Many dogs need boots in winter weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up his paws, whines or stops on his walks, his feet are uncomfortably cold and may need dog booties for his paws.
• Dogs left outdoors in inclement weather must be provided with shelter appropriate to breed, physical condition and the climate. Minimum standards for adequate shelter include a permanent structure with a waterproof roof, structural soundness, and sufficient insulation to protect from the inclement weather, space to make normal postural movements, freedom from excessive dirt, trash, or waste, and a clean surrounding area that does not threaten the well-being.
• Be careful with cats. Warm engines in parked cars can attract cats who may crawl under the hood. Bang on the hood before starting the car to scare them away.
• 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.
• For outdoor pets, make sure your pet has fresh, non frozen drinking water available.
• Remember to clean your pet’s feet. Salt can irritate or burn, as well as causing vomiting and in some pets can even cause seizures. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to pets and can be deadly if ingested.