PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – Keep your pets indoors, especially when temperature reaches 30 degrees, with or without the wind-chill factor. Leaving pets outdoors presents several dangers including injury, frostbite and disorientation.
Even though it’s cold, pets can still become dehydrated if they are getting a lot of exercise. Provide access to fresh clean water and for any animals who are outside like horses and goats. Make sure outdoor water bowls don’t freeze over.
Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from the cold, salt, and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation.
Watch for anti-freeze or other chemicals that can leak under cars or in garages. This toxic liquid has a sweet taste but can be deadly for pets. Quickly remove puddles or possible contamination by wiping down and rinsing appropriately. If your pet is exposed to anti-freeze, make note of the type and volume, and seek immediate veterinary attention.
Frostbite: Dogs and cats can get frostbite on sensitive tissues like ears, nose, and feet if left outside.
During walks: keep your dog on leash and under control during walks in the winter weather, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs can lose scent in this weather and become lost. Always make sure yours always wears ID tags.
Post-walk: check and wipe pets’ paws when they come back into the house because they can ingest road salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals when licking paws to clean them. Paw pads may also be cut by snow or encrusted ice.
Also, make sure you’re walking them on a leash. Dogs can lose scent in this weather and become lost.
Finally, consider making a makeshift outdoor shelter for them. Somewhere with dry bedding and maybe even a cover.
Learn how to make an outdoor pet shelter out of a plastic storage bin, here.
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