Lifestyle

Beware of the cold, your pets may not be safe as you think

January 20, 2022

2 minute read

Louisville, KY- When the temperatures go down, we all tend to throw on an extra sweater or stay in front of the heater at home.

Even though our pets have fur to keep them warm, the Kentucky Humane Society offers these tips for pet owners to keep their pets safe and warm.

The first recommendation is, if you can, bring them inside. The old rule is, if it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold for them.

“It doesn’t take long for a pet to get frostbite in subfreezing temperatures,” the humane society said on their website.

Another tip is to keep them warm with additional layers or covers.

Make sure that their beds are placed in a warm part of your home and cover them with a blanket overnight.

They strongly recommend not to shave a dog’s fur down as it gives the dog the natural protection they need as they have more thick winter fur. If your dog has shorter hair, a coat would be a good choice.

The humane society said puppies and small dogs may not tolerate the cold as well as larger, adult breeds. You may need to train puppies to use the bathroom on paper pads inside rather than going outdoors.

Also, you must be careful when playing outside in the snow. Spilled anti-freeze could taste sweet to animals, but it is highly toxic, so be aware of your surroundings. Wipe your dog’s feet as salt and chemical melting products on the roads could cling to their fur and paws.

Always keep them on a leash, always. Even if they know their way home, snow and ice can cover the ground and dogs easily can get lost as they lose their scent.

And last, but not least, if you have cats in your community that are unowned, make sure that they have warm shelter, food and unfrozen water. Keep in mind that they like to hide under the hood of the car, as they find it warm, so make sure you give them a warning to get out before you start the engine.