HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – As freezing temperatures continue to blanket the commonwealth, it's important to not only keep yourself safe and warm, but also keep your pets safe.
Dr. William Hagans, a veterinarian at Town and Country Animal Clinic, said freezing temperatures and freezing cold can have the same effects on animals as they do on humans.
“All animals can get frostbite,” he said. “They all have limits on what they can tolerate. Of course, there are long-haired dogs that you don't think can freeze outside. Given those temperatures, anything can freeze. Surroundings It’s not just the temperature, but also the wind chill.”
Frostbite most commonly occurs on the tips of the ears, feet, and areas furthest from the center.
Hagans said frostbite is the biggest concern, as well as whole-body core body temperature, which can put the animal into shock.
If you let your pet outside, Hagans advised limiting the amount of time they spend outdoors.
“Depending on the pet, I would only spend 15 to 20 minutes max,” says Hagans. “If you have a 50-pound dog, it will tolerate more than a 5-10 pound dog. Use at your discretion, but as long as you are supervised, even for short periods of 15 to 20 minutes. No problem.”
Since people are encouraged to stay indoors and off the roads during cold weather, it's important that your family is fully stocked with the supplies they need to keep their pets safe.
“Make sure to stock up on any medications you can stock up on,” Hagans says. “Food, things like regular outings for your pet, and bedding are just as important for your inner self as well. Puppy pads, and some people even train them. For dogs that are outside. Straw bedding. Something that doesn't trap moisture.”
To ensure families have what they need to keep their pets safe in the cold, Almost Home Animal Shelter has reached out to more than 700 pet owners to help keep their furry friends warm. provided straw.
“It literally saves lives,” Allie Mullins said. “As you often see on Facebook, animal rescue groups go out and lift dog kennels and find that the animals inside are literally dead, lying on sheets covered in snow. There have been several cases. So giving straw and wood chips to animals that wouldn't otherwise be able to receive it is completely life-saving.”
Hagans said if owners have an outdoor shelter, make sure the shelter has a way to block the wind.
“Just putting wood around something that has large gaps is not acceptable,” he said. “Make sure it's appropriate.”
It's also important to provide your pet with plenty of food and water.
Hagans advised making sure the water is at least warm so it doesn't freeze, and having a heated bowl to help keep the water from freezing.
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