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spca120As temperatures plummet, it is time to take special precautions to keep your pets safe and warm.

The SPCA of Tompkins County strongly urges that all pet guardians allow their animals to reside inside, particularly during extreme weather. However, if you leave your pet outside for any length of time, please remember the following:
  • New York State law requires that dogs be provided with adequate food, water and shelter at all times. The shelter should be well-built, waterproof and insulated with solid walls and a sturdy floor.  Your dog should have with enough room to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably with limbs outstretched.  Doors should be covered with a flap to block the wind, rain and snow.  It may take a bit of training and encouragement before a dog is comfortable going in and out through a door flap, but most will adapt quickly and will remain warmer and drier.  Shelters should contain bedding material, such as straw, wood shavings or blankets.  No matter what type of bedding, it should be checked daily to make sure that it is dry and provides adequate insulation.  Shelters should be placed in an area that is protected from the wind, facing south or east.
  • Small or short-haired pets should be kept inside as much as possible; larger breeds and thick-coated dogs may remain outside, with adequate shelter, for longer periods of time.  Dogs who are elderly, sick, underweight or very young should never be kept outside.
  • Precipitation and wind chill should always be taken into account when deciding to put an animal outside.
  • Regular access to clean, unfrozen water is also critical. Check drinking water every few hours to ensure that it is not frozen.
  • Cats should also be provided with a sheltered escape from the cold. If you have outdoor cats, be sure that they have access to a barn, garage, shed, outbuilding or porch. Dry bedding should be provided, along with fresh water and food.
  • Roaming cats often seek the warmth of car engines, so be sure to knock on the car hood or honk the horn before starting your car to startle them and give them a chance to escape.
  • Increase the amount of food by 10-20 percent for dogs left outside during the winter months. The extra calories are needed to help an animal to stay warm.
  • If an animal is cold to the touch, or his paws and ears are pale, he may be suffering from frostbite. Move the animal to a warmer area and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Companion animals are protected by New York State law.  If you suspect animal abuse, please contact the SPCA immediately at (607) 257-1822.

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