LANSING, Mich. (WILX) -The frigid temperatures on the way are not only dangerous for us, but they’re dangerous for our furry friends too.
“So, a lot of people have the misconception that just because animals have a thick coat or they have fur, that when they go outside they’re gonna be fine and they can stay out there longer, but that just isn’t the case,” said Penny Myers.
Penny Myers, the Director of Community Relations, at the Capital Area Humane Society, wants to stress that bringing your furry family members inside during the cold is critical.
“The cold weather, the snow, the freezing temperatures, that’s really, really important because just like people, pets can experience hypothermia and also frostbite,” she said.
In addition to keeping pets warm, it’s crucial to keep chemicals like antifreeze and ice melters away from them.
“If a cat or a dog licks that or ingests that, that actually can be deadly,” said Myers.
Penny recommends taking a damp towel after a winter walk and wiping the paws and underbellies of your furry friend so you can rid them of anything that might otherwise cause harm. That, and keep an eye on them!
“You should never just let your pet outside and not know where they’re at in the winter, especially if there’s a snowstorm, because they can lose their scent. If for some reason you don’t have a fenced-in yard and they get out, they may not be able to find their way back home,” she said.
All the more reason to make sure your furry friend has got identification tags during the colder months, and maybe keep them safely on a leash, as well. If you do decide to venture out:
“What you can do is get a sweater or some type of little jacket when you take your dog outside. There are also these little booties that you can get to put on their feet,” said Myers.
Keeping your pets fashionable in the winter can also keep them safe, as it turns out, and can be just as warm for your heart.
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