Ways to protect your pets during the winter weather

MUSKEGON, Mich. — With another winter snowstorm arriving this week to West Michigan, animal shelters are speaking out about pet safety during the cold weather, especially for outdoor pets. 

“As soon as it’s snowing, and as soon as it’s cold, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them,” said shelter manager Velvet Lyght.

Lyght said there are things you can do if you see a stray to keep the animal safe.

“For dogs, it is not against the law to have dogs outside in Michigan. However, you are supposed to provide them with food, water and proper shelter to stay warm. The next big thing to have for both cats and dogs is food and water. Wet food is easier to digest, however it freezes. So you want to be able to make sure that the food is in a covered, warm area where that food stays accessible and digestible,” said Lyght.

She said it’s best to call animal control if you see a dog or cat left outside. 

“Reach out to your local animal control, non-emergency police line and let them know that there is that dog, and then posting up on any of your local Lost and Found sites. If you can, the best thing to do would be get them in your car, get them to a warm place,” said Lyght.

Big Lake Humane Society is also giving away free winter cat shelters for people to use outside their homes to keep cats and small dogs warm. Lyght told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that a good sign your pet is cold is when they lift their paws.

She said if you do plan to take your furry friend outside, it’s best to do it in small increments and try to keep them clothed and warm.

“The smaller they get, the shorter their fur. You can use jackets. You can use sweaters. You can use little booties to protect their paws, which is big because of the salt that’s used around on roads if you’re walking them, and also just the ice in the general like frozen tundra is tough on paws,” said Lyght.