As temperatures continue to drop around the region, it is important for pet owners to take a few, simple precautions to ensure that their pets are prepared for the coming season.
“Pets can be seriously affected by extreme winter conditions. It is important to know what cold weather issues can affect your pets and what can be done to protect them,” said Pat Claerbout, Sacramento County Animal Shelter Director.
Below are tips to help your pet weather the winter:
Bring your pet indoors when the weather dips below 30 degrees; 40 degrees for short-haired dogs, cats and puppies.
If your pet stays in the garage, make sure that there are no traces of anti-freeze in the garage. Most brands of anti-freeze are poisonous to animals.
If your dog spends most its time outdoors, make sure it has a house that is large enough to lay down in, a few inches off the ground to prevent water from pooling, the floor is covered with wood or cedar shavings, and has a covered doorway that faces away from the wind.
Make sure that your animal’s water bowl is fresh and has not frozen over or been knocked over by the weather.
Keep your pet well groomed. Matted fur does not protect your animal from the cold.
Slap the hood of your car when you start it in the morning. Cats may take refuge from the weather under your hood.
Make sure you adjust the amount of food your animal eats due to its activity level. If a pet is indoors more often, it does not need as much food. If your pet is often outdoors, it may need more calories to generate necessary body heat.
The community program “Critter Tip” wants you to “blow the whistle” on animal abuse. The program is anonymous and you may be eligible for an award. Call the Animal Shelter to report abuse and/or neglect at 916-368-7387.