Humane Society's tips for keeping your pets safe in winter

Kristel Gunderson By Kristel Gunderson Staten Island Advance
on November 18, 2008 at 7:12 AM, updated November 18, 2008 at 7:15 AM

Humane Society Offers Winter Tips to Keep Pets Safe & Warm
Freezing Temperatures are Dangerous to Pets Left Outside

The Humane Society & SPCA urges pet owners to keep their pets inside during this cold winter season. Pets depend on their human companions to keep them safe and provide adequate food, water and shelter from harsh weather conditions.

Keeping your pet indoors is the best measure to protect them against the cold, but if they are outside, be sure they have access to a warm, dry, and draft-free shelter with adequate bedding and water (checking often that it's not frozen). Cats often wander under houses or into basements and can become trapped without any food or water. It's best to supervise your pets when they are outside.

If your pet spends a lot of time outside, they may need extra food in their diet since they burn off more energy to keep warm. When an animal cannot keep their temperature from dropping, hypothermia can set in and in extreme cases cause permanent damage. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, decreased heart rate or weak pulse, pale or blue mucous membranes and lethargy. If your pet shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Cats and other wildlife often crawl up under the hood of parked cars to warm up next to the car's engine. Before starting your car in the morning, bang on your hood to chase out any animals.

Older animals and those with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease and hormonal imbalances are even more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Younger pets as well can be at greater risk. Although regardless of age and health, pets should not remain outside for unlimited amounts of time in cold weather.

Many people have the misconception that an animal's "fur" will keep them warm in extreme temperatures. But this is not necessarily true especially when temperatures fluctuate. If you spend time outdoors and find yourself feeling cold, it's likely your pet is cold too. Sweaters, coats and booties can help protect smaller dogs and those with less fur, but don't rely on them completely. Pets lose most of their heat from the pads of their feet, ears and respiratory tract.

Chemicals found during the winter can also be hazardous to pets. De-icing chemicals, rock salt and antifreeze are all dangerous to pets and many pick up these chemicals on their paws and then lick them. Be sure to wipe down paws with a warm, wet washcloth after pets have been outside or use booties when spending time outdoors.