By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Pets need special care in cold weather, just as they do in hot weather. Winter weather and frigid temperatures have arrived, along with snow and ice and pet owners are advised to take special care of their domestic friends.

Kim Park, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo, shared some tips for keeping pets safe during cold weather, and she advises bringing pets indoors, but said if pets cannot be inside the home, “even a garage, shed or barn will provide some protection.”

“If the pet cannot be inside, provide an enclosure such as a dog or cat house,” she added. “In the absence of an enclosure, a storage tub turned on its side with a hole cut into the lid can be used.”

For bedding, Park recommended cedar chips or straw, and she said, “Do not use blankets or towels as if they get wet they will freeze. The shelter should be big enough for the animal to stand up and turn around, but small enough to retain the animal’s body heat…Make sure the opening of the enclosure is not facing into the wind and use caution when using heating devices so as not to cause a fire.”
It is also recommended that pets be given a little extra food during colder temperatures as the extra calories help the animal to better regulate their body temperature.

Park also cautioned about the danger of pets ingesting antifreeze due to the “sweet” taste of the chemical, and she said, ‘Clean up antifreeze spills immediately.”

In regard to salt and ice melt, Park explained that those are irritating to pets’ paws and bellies if ingested. “Keep walks very short, and when returning from walks, wipe the pet’s paws with a slightly damp towel to remove salt and snow, and then dry the paws. If pets will tolerate, it is best to use pet booties.”

She said pet owners should watch for signs of distress from the pet when outside, such as lifting paws or wanting to lay down so as not to stand on paws…”Shorter haired animals benefit from dog/cat coats or sweaters to help retain their body warmth,” she added.

“The Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo, is committed to helping the community, including educating and answering questions,” Park said. “If anyone has questions regarding how to care for their pet during weather extremes, please call us at 309-944-4868 and we will be happy to answer any questions and offer suggestions to keep your pet safe and happy.”