How To Keep Pets Safe During Looming Long Island Winter Storm

LONG ISLAND, NY — A winter storm watch is in effect for Long Island.

The storm watch will be in effect from 7 p.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Saturday. Nearly a foot of snow is expected across the island thanks to the nor'easter, and wind gusts as high as 45 mph may cause near-blizzard conditions at times. With the severe cold set to hit the island, pets could be at risk this weekend.

Dr. John J. Charos, a veterinary investigator and advisor to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, offered tips on how to keep pets safe, according to a news release:

• Keep your pets indoors during freezing temperatures and winter storms. If left unattended outdoors they can get frostbite or become disorientated and freeze to death.
• Always remember babies and seniors are more sensitive to extreme temperatures just like humans.
• Always remember a freshwater source is vital to sustaining life. Water bowls and troughs will freeze rapidly as the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and require replenishing or breaking of the ice to expose fresh water.
• Always increase their feeding amount to provide more needed fueling calories to keep warm.
• Always bang the hood of your car before starting the engine. It is very common for cats to seek shelter and the warmth of an engine. When the engine is started it can be injured or killed by the fan belt.
• Always wipe your pet's feet and undercarriage thoroughly as to avoid rock salt, antifreeze, or other toxic chemicals ingestion.
• Always clean up spilled antifreeze (Ethylene glycol) immediately. Pets are attracted to and will ingest it due to its sweet flavor. It is highly lethal to kidneys of all species and causes agonizing death.
• Try to use animal-friendly products made with propylene glycol as it is nontoxic and works just as well as its toxic cousin ethylene glycol.
• Never shave your dog or cat during the winter as the hair coat is vital to keeping them warm.
• Never bathe your pet and take them outside before they are 100 percent completely dry. This is to prevent Hypothermia.
• If you have a short hair breed, consider clothing or a properly fitted jacket. Never let your pet off a leash on snow or ice in a snowstorm/ice storm.
• Pets can lose their scent and become disorientated and get lost. Fact ... more pets are lost in the winter than in any other season in the Northeast.
• Active pets are more prone to slipping and injuring their legs or fracturing their teeth.
• It is extremely important to keep your pets and livestock safe and healthy during the winter season. The extreme cold can have adverse effects on your pets or your livestock's health, so take precautionary measures to prevent undue pain and suffering.
• In the event an animal becomes ill as a result of exposure, contact a veterinarian immediately as they are highly skilled and trained to deal with these situations.