WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP — With the bitter cold hitting the Miami Valley, pet owners know that it can be hard navigating the weather with their furry friends.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30 p.m., cold temperatures are forecasted throughout the week, and pet owners and shelters alike are doing their best to keep animals safe and warm.
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Kaitlin Becraft, the Communications, Advocacy, and Events Manager for SICSA in Washington Township said that just like people, these temperatures can be dangerous for pets.
“Anytime it’s below freezing. I mean, it really can be dangerous for them. People tend to think that just because they have, like, their little fur coats, that they’re gonna stay a lot warmer than they are, but they’re still susceptible to hypothermia and all those sorts of things,” Becraft said.
That’s why the shelter is taking extra steps to ensure the dogs in their care are safe, and they suggest that pet owners do the same.
SICSA is limiting the time their dogs spend outside.
“Just let them go out, go to the bathroom, and bring them back inside,” Becraft said.
But sometimes some dogs just won’t go. Becraft suggests doing what you can to make them comfortable.
“I think the biggest thing is trying to figure out how you could make them the most comfortable outside to the best of your ability,” Becraft said.
That could include shorter and more frequent bathroom breaks. Or you can try bundling them up in a coat or sweater made for animals.
“They look silly. But yeah, they can be helpful,” Becraft said.
Another thing to keep in mind is the salt on the ground. Salt used to keep the sidewalks and roads from freezing can be harmful to your pet’s paws.
“After a walk, you can just rinse their feet off or take a washcloth to them just to make sure that you’re getting any of that residue off,” Becraft said.
For more cold weather tips to keep your furry friends safe follow this website.
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