PSPCA Reminds Pet Owners to Protect Animals During Cold Weather

PHILADELPHIA - Winter’s deep freeze has hit the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania SPCA reminds you to protect your pets from the cold and bring them inside your home. A dog or cat’s fur coat doesn’t mean that it can survive if left outdoors in the cold. Give your friend a warm place to sleep inside, away from drafts.

Recently the PSPCA investigated the case of a dog found frozen to a fence in Philadelphia. The dog’s owner had left the dog outside tied to the fence overnight when the temperature dipped to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your pet has short hair, invest in a sweater or coat he or she can wear to keep warm when going on walks. If you must take your pet in the car when the weather is cold, don’t leave them alone. Like a car can become an oven in the summer, in the winter, your vehicle is like a refrigerator with the potential to freeze your friend to death.

Not only is the temperature dangerous for our pets, but many products used during this time of year can also be hazardous to your dog’s or cat’s health. While the sweet taste of antifreeze is appealing to animals, when swallowed, the chemical can be deadly. Be sure to clean up all antifreeze spills and keep the container out of your pet’s reach. Use antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol. This form is not dangerous for animals if ingested in small amounts.

Rock salt and snow melting products can irritate your pet’s feet. After walking outside, be sure to wipe off your Fido’s or Fluffy’s feet before he or she licks them and hurts his or her mouth.

Be mindful of wild animals, feral cats and stray animals that often climb under the hoods of cars to keep warm during bitter nights. Bang on the car’s hood before starting the engine to wake the animal.

If you see an animal left outside or in a cold car for a prolonged period of time, contact the PSPCA’s toll free cruelty reporting hotline, 1-866-601-SPCA. A PSPCA law enforcement agent will investigate the call to protect an animal in danger.