Protect Your Pet During A CNY Cold Blast

They are important parts of our families, so we want to do all we can to keep our pets safe and warm.  We are now expecting some of the coldest days and nights of the year, so here are some simple but important guidelines from the Humane Society.

If possible, keep your dog or cat indoors.   Dogs love to go for walks and need to go out at least a couple of times a day, but should be kept inside the rest of the time.  Remember their skin, their noses, ears and paws can easily get frostbite if outside for too long in sub-freezing temperatures.  When they do go out, short haired dogs might be more comfortable in a sweater.

Protect their paws from salt.  The salt used to melt the snow and ice on sidewalks and roadways will irritate your pet's paws.  After being outside, you should wipe the pads of their paws with a damp towel.  Otherwise, your dog or cat will try to lick the salt off their paws, and that will irritate their mouth as well.

Keep and eye out for pets left out in the cold.  If you see a dog or cat that is out in the frigid weather, the Humane Society says to document it with photos or a video.  The pet may have an owner, or may just be abandoned.  If you know the owner, please let them know you are concerned.  If they do not respond, contact your local animal control officer.  You should do the same for pets that you think may be stray or abandoned.

During cold snaps, pets are healthiest and happiest when kept indoors.

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