PROTECT YOUR PET IN COLD WEATHER

DOVER (Jan. 6, 2014) - As temperatures plummet throughout our region, it's important to remember that pets, just like people, can suffer from frostbite, hypothermia, and other life-threatening injuries. The Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare reminds you to protect your pet from the cold. Even long-haired cats and dogs or breeds that are known for tolerance to cold weather should be protected.

"Tolerance to cold weather depends on a number of factors, not just breed," said Hetti Brown, Director of the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, "Since the weather in Delaware is typically moderate, even breeds that may have originally been bred for cold temperatures, like huskies, are not used to low temperatures. Pet owners should take precautions regardless of the pet's breed or acclimation to the outdoors. A good rule of thumb is that if it's too cold for a person to be outside for a prolonged period of time then it's too cold for an animal."

The Office of Animal Welfare offers the following tips for keeping pets safe and warm in cold temperatures:

• Bring pets indoors - this is the safest place for your pet during cold temperatures. Short-haired pets or very young or old pets should never be left outdoors in cold temperatures.
• Protect outdoor pets from the elements - if your pet must be outdoors, you must provide a dry, draft-free shelter from the elements. Housing should be appropriately sized for the animal and designed for animal sheltering. "In Delaware, you must also provide moisture-resistant bedding that will help to retain body heat, such as straw or cedar shavings, and it is a good idea to provide a water-proof flap over the doorway to protect from wind and rain," Brown said.
• Ensure access to water at all times - frequently check water bowls to ensure water is not frozen. If you typically use a metal watering bowl, replace it with plastic as a pet's tongue can get stuck to metal in cold temperatures.
• Additional food may be needed - Animals burn more calories in cold temperatures in order to stay warm, you may also need to increase the amount of food you provide. Check with your veterinarian about your pet's nutritional needs in cold weather.
• Outdoor cats need attention too - whether outdoor cats are owned, stray, or feral, they need the same protection from cold weather as your pets. If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, provide them with dry, warm shelter, as well as food and water to help them survive dangerously low temperatures. For your own safety, do not handle any unfamiliar animals, particularly if the rabies vaccination status is unknown. An animal may have rabies and not exhibit any external signs.

If you see a pet that has been left outdoors in cold temperatures without proper shelter or protection from the elements, food, or water, report it immediately to an animal control agency. City of Wilmington residents should call the Delaware SPCA at 302-998-2281 and all other Delaware residents can call First State Animal Center and SPCA at 302-943-6032. These situations are life-threatening and should be addressed immediately.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.