COLD WEATHER TIPS

Keep pets indoors. 

To prevent injury, frostbite and hypothermia/death.

Be alert to frostbite.

            Skin can turn red, white or gray and scaly. If you suspect your cat or dog has frostbite, contact your vet.

Keep ID tags on pets.

            More pets are lost in the winter than any other time of the year. Pets lose their ability to scent their way home in snow and ice conditions.

 Always walk dogs on a leash.

            Dogs can become disoriented or lost. Roads are often dangerous in snow conditions with snow plow piles and ice. 

Be aware of sheltered cats and wildlife:

            Outdoor cats and other animals will often seek shelter beneath the hood of a car and can be killed by fans or belts.  Please bang on the hood or blow your horn before starting the car.

 Never leave pets in the car.

Not for any length of time. Hypothermia and freezing are common in winter.

 Be aware of exposure time.

            Dogs who are ill, old, very young or short-haired cannot endure prolonged exposure to winter weather.  Take them out only to relieve themselves.  Coats or sweaters can help avoid problems for dogs who like to play in the snow.

 Keep pets dry.

            Never take your dog or cat out after a bath unless they are 100% dry.

 Have a clean up routine.

            Keep a towel and maybe moist wipes by the door to clean dog’s feet of salt, anti-freeze, and other harmful toxins. 

Road salt can irritate or burn, as well as cause vomiting and in some pets, cause seizures.  Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to pets and can be deadly if ingested.  Keep paws, belly and legs clean to avoid problems. 

Keep pets warm

            Always keep beds slightly elevated and away from cold drafts. 

Keep pets safe from fire

            If using a fireplace or wood stove, put a protective barrier or fire screen to prevent burns.

            Never use a space heater if you own pets. Pets can chew on the cord and be electrocuted.  Pets can knock over or land on the space heater resulting in burns or worse, set fire to the home. 

If you keep your dog outdoors:

Provide a well-insulated dog-house. It should be free from drafts and of an adequate size.  Too large is not good.

Don’t use metal dishes – tongues can stick to frozen bowls.

Change water daily – snow is not a substitute for fresh water.  A bowl of water will freeze when temperatures drop and the pet can dehydrate.

It is not necessary to increase calories for your dog in winter unless temperatures are subzero, or the dog is under increased stress (like a sled-dog).

Anti Freeze:

·         Lethal poison- Ethylene Glycol- causes renal failure in pets.

·         A few licks is a fatal amount.

·         Has a sweet smell and taste that attracts animals.

·         Clean spills immediately – not just for your pets, but also wildlife and neighbor’s pets that visit your property.

·         Use “safe” antifreeze – Propylene Glycol*- or ask your mechanic to.

*Brands such as Sierra-1-800-289-7234 or StaClean 1-800-825-3464

 

Salts and Ice Melts: ·         Generally contain one of the following:  Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Magnesium Acetate, Urela. ·         Symptoms of exposure can be as mild as contact burns, and progress to vomiting, diarrhea, Gastro-Intestinal distress, Ataxia, Cardiac Failure, seizures. ·         Treat by bathing the pet immediately and bring to the vet with the product package so they can apply appropriate treatment
Suffolk County SPCA 363 Route 111 Smithtown, NY 11787 631 382-7722