LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With frigid temperatures in the Louisville area this week, the Kentucky Humane Society wants everyone to know how to keep their pets warm and healthy.
A new winter weather warning has been issued for Wednesday through Thursday as a wintry mix is expected across Kentuckiana.
KHS Pet Resource Services urges people not to leave their pets outside when temperatures drop. Outdoor dogs should be brought indoors because pets are at risk of “frostbite, hypothermia, and death from extreme cold.” Wind chill is especially dangerous for animals because exposed skin on their noses, ears and paws can freeze quickly, causing permanent damage, KHS said.
Experts advise against using salts and chemically dissolved products, as they are toxic to animals and can be harmful to their paws. We were also told to wipe our pets' paws and bellies before entering the house when it's snowing, sleet, or icy. This prevents them from ingesting salt, antifreeze, and other dangerous chemicals when they lick their paws.
KHS said dogs should be kept on a leash when walking them in snow or ice, especially during snowstorms, as scents can be lost and animals are more likely to get lost.
If you have a puppy, KHS recommends providing puppy pads when going to the bathroom outside, as puppies are less sensitive to cold temperatures than adult dogs. Also, if your dog is sensitive to cold due to age, breed, or medical condition, you should avoid long walks.
Dog owners should also not shave their dog's hair down to the skin during the winter. KHS says longer coats provide more warmth, but short-haired breeds can be worn with sweaters and coats.
If your dog is a small breed, KHS recommends laying a tarp on the lawn before it snows and removing it once the snow has fallen to give him space to use the bathroom easily.
KHS said neighbors caring for unoccupied (feral) cats in the area should ensure they have fresh, unfrozen water on their plates and access to additional calories. The agency suggests using deep bowls instead of wide bowls and refilling them with hot or lukewarm water twice a day. Cats also need to be regularly fed a diet with increased calories to keep them warm. KHS also suggests setting up shelters by building or reusing plastic storage boxes, Styrofoam coolers, and small dog kennels.
Since stray cats often sleep under the hood of cars in the winter, KHS said it's important to bang on the hood of your car loudly before starting the engine. Cats can be injured or killed by the fan belt when starting the car.
If you have an indoor cat and occasionally go outside, KHS recommends keeping it indoors during the winter. They suggest placing a pillow or cushion next to a window so you can “enjoy the outdoors in the safety and warmth of your home.” If you must go out, KHS said to “minimize” your outing and be sure to return indoors at night.
For questions or additional tips, call KHS Pet Resource Services at (502)-509-4738. For more information on the helpline, please visit click here. For more tips, click here.
Get the latest weather updates as a cold front moves through this weekend. click here For coverage from WDRB meteorologists.
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