During the ongoing polar vortex, the ASPCA is reminding pet owners that cold weather conditions can be particularly dangerous for pets. Below are safety tips pet owners should keep in mind as the temperature drops and the snow piles up!
“The freezing temperatures are just as dangerous for pets as they are for people, said Dr. Lori Bierbrier, ASPCA Medical Director, New York City Community Medicine. "Any outdoor animals should be immediately brought and kept inside. If you see symptoms of frostbite or symptoms of poisoning from antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.”
To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, please heed the following advice from our experts:
Home is where the heart is: Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Also, puppies do not tolerate cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, frequent short trips outdoors should be adequate. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him also take him outdoors only as needed for short periods.
Baby, it’s cold outside: Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death. Also, dry your dog’s legs and stomach after an outing in the snow
Scurry from a flurry: Always keep your dog on a leash. During a snowstorm dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during winter, so be sure to update your dog’s ID tags and consider visiting a veterinarian for a microchip implant.
Be a quicker picker-upper: Coolant and antifreeze are lethal to dogs and cats. Antifreeze poisoning is lethal. Pets may also ingest ice melts from slippery sidewalks, roadways and driveways. Ingestion can lead to an upset stomach but is not typically fatal. If you suspect that your pet may have been exposed to any of these products, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Make some noise: During the winter, many outdoor cats sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth and protection. A car’s fan belt can kill or injure an animal when the motor starts. To ensure the safety of both the cat and your car, bang on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before turning on the engine. Keeping cats indoors can prevent this scenario from occurring to your pet.