How to keep your pets safe and warm in the dangerous cold
Despite having fur, cats and dogs do not necessarily want to be out in the cold either.
So, how can pet owners adapt their furry friend’s schedule to keep them happy and healthy amid the dangerous cold?
Veterinarian Stephanie DeMarco said pets should be dressed for the winter weather when they go outside, just like humans.
Protecting pet’s paws is a huge help as they walk on snow and ice, DeMarco said, but booties may not be worth the risk of the dog slipping.
“The booties are great, people love to put them on their dogs, because it’ll protect their paw pads, but they can trip and fall, DeMarco said.
Shorter walks and backyard runs are also better than long walks in the dangerous cold, especially for smaller breeds. Also while walking a dog, pet owners should be weary of snow because pets’ legs can fall through and get injured.
Pet owners should also clean a dog’s paws after coming inside, DeMarco said. And, salt is considered safe for pets to walk on, but salt is not safe for pets to eat.
“You know your dog better than anybody, and so know what your dog’s limits are,” DeMarco said. “Just like with your own kids, if you can’t actually make them tired from running around. How else can you keep them entertained? And it might be cognitively stimulating them.”
Chris Francica, the owner of an adorable dog named Peanut, said his dog does not like going out in the cold.
“She gets at the back door and starts whining, sits at the door,” Francica said. “Grab toys and goes outside, probably like five toys outside right now. She takes them out there, then looks around and is like nope, I don’t want to do this let’s go back in the house.”
Animal groups are also working to keep stray cats and dogs warm as well.
At Faithful Friends Animal Society, they are making shelters out of containers, hay and insulation to be left out for stray cats all over Delaware.
The organization has also taken in pets from families who can’t keep them in this weather. like Nugget
“A woman was helping organize families to go to shelters, and one family wouldn’t leave unless they knew their dog was safe, so we took in Nugget,” said Kayla Mullen. So we are boarding him for the time being while they are safe and warm. And he is safe and warm here.”
