- By Maggie Thomas
- Around Town
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As 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 and insulated, with enough room for your dog to stand and lie down comfortably.
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.
Here are some additional tips:
- Pets should not be left outside for any length of time. 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
- Precipitation and wind chill should also be taken into account.
- 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.
- Regular access to clean, unfrozen water is also critical. Check drinking water frequently – every few hours – to ensure that it is unfrozen.
- 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.
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