Humane Society urges pet owners to bring dogs and cats indoors
With a couple inches of fresh snow on the ground around Carson City, Anna Pittenger's family puppy, Charlie, enjoys the snow before going inside. With frigid overnight temperatures expected tonight through the weekend, the Humane Society reminds pet owners that after outside play time, the best prescription from the cold is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family.
The happiest dogs are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. The Humane Society urges owners not to leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage.
Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. The Humane Society recommends that pet owners routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw, the Humane Society advises. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.