Protect Your Animals During The Winter

To the Editor:
Winters can creep upon us and bring unseasonably cold and dangerous temperatures to the region, which means taking extra precautionary measures with family pets. The following tips could possibly save your pet and ensure their safe return, especially if they get lost during these cold temperatures.
• Have a proper identification tag and have your veterinarian insert a microchip that will accurately identify your pet in case the collar becomes lost or damaged. Make sure the collar is adjusted properly so your pet cannot slip the collar, especially on walks. Identification can often ensure the return of your pet, especially if they escape during the winter months, which can be deadly for some breeds.
• Bring animals inside, particularly puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Dobermans. Shorthaired animals will also benefit from a cozy sweater or coat.
• Provide dogs with proper shelter even if they only spend a few hours outside. Proper shelter is required by law for any dogs that are outdoors. Doghouses should be made of wood or plastic (metal conducts cold) and positioned in a sunny, sheltered location during cold weather. Raise the house off the ground several inches and put a flap (car doormat) over the door to keep out cold drafts. Use straw or cedar shavings for bedding—rugs and blankets hold the moisture and freeze up. Make sure the house is really weatherproof—a slit car floor mat at the entrance helps keep body heat inside, while a lip keeps straw from spilling out.
• Don’t allow your cat or dog to roam freely outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb up under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are killed or badly injured when the car is started. To help prevent this, bang loudly on the hood of your car before starting the engine. Animals can also become disoriented when there is snow or ice on the ground. More animals are lost during the winter than during any other season.
• Increase animals’ food rations during winter (they are burning more calories to keep warm). Also, be sure animals are free of internal parasites, which can rob them of vital nutrients. Talk to your veterinarian about regular de-wormers for all pets.
• Buy antifreeze made with propylene glycol (brands include Sierra and Prestone Lowtox) instead of ethylene glycol, which is a deadly poison even in small doses. Animals are attracted to antifreeze because of its sweet taste, so be sure to promptly clean up spills.
• Clean off your dog’s or cat’s legs, feet and stomach after coming in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make an animal sick if they are ingested while the animal grooms himself or herself.
• Keep an eye out for strays. Immediately call your local police or animal control if you find a stray. If strays are wild or unapproachable, provide food, water and shelter (stray cats will appreciate a small doghouse filled with warm bedding) and call the local humane society for assistance in humanely trapping them and getting them safely indoors.
We hope these tips will help county residents keep their pets safe and secure this winter. If you do see any signs of neglect or abuse, you can anonymously contact the New Jersey SPCA at (800) 582-5979. You can also report cruelty on their website at www.NJSPCA.org.
Dr. Nick Holland
Shore Animal Control Services
Seaville