SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR PETS THIS WINTER

The safest place for your pets during cold  winter months is definitely inside! Neighborhood Services Officers respond to many complaints of neglect and inadequate care during extreme winter weather. If your pet needs to be outside, it's important you give them the proper care to ensure their comfort and safety.

Proper Shelter

•  Provide a well-insulated, waterproof house with straw or cedar chips to hold heat. Avoid using blankets, which will become wet and freeze.
• Make sure the house has an elevated floor for extra warmth and dryness.
• The house should be big enough for the pets to sit up and lie down in comfortably, yet small enough to hold in body heat.
• Turn the house toward the south and add a door flap to add protection from cold winds.

Food and Water
• Outside dogs burn more calories during the winter to stay warm, so make sure to provide adequate food during cold months.
• It is necessary to have plenty of fresh water available and water may need to be replaced several times each day if it freezes.
• Use plastic bowls instead of metal bowls so tongues don’t freeze to the bowl.
How Cold is Too Cold?
• Pets suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just as people do. Shorthaired dogs such as Rottweillers, Dobermans, Pointers, Boxers, etc. have very little protection from the cold. Small and Toy Breed dogs such as Yorkies, Dachshunds, Poodles, and Pomeranians should never be left outside for long periods of time during cold months.
• A general rule is shorthaired dogs, puppies and cats should not be left outside if the temperature is under 40 degrees. All pets should be brought inside if temperatures drop below 20 degrees.

If you observe an animal that may not be receiving adequate care, contact Neighborhood Services at 816-316-4829 during normal business hours. After hours, please call (816) 316-4980.