From the Montgomery County Humane Society (Rockville, Maryland 20850)
Clean Your Pet’s Paws Please
Paws can accumulate a conglomeration of snow, ice, salt, and ice-melting chemicals while your pet frolics outside. Your pet’s feet are extremely sensitive, and it is very important to clean their paws with a damp cloth to prevent frostbite, burns and potential poisoning. In a grooming effort, animals will lick their paws only to be poisoned by these low to moderate toxic snow and ice removers. Frostbite is primarily characterized by gray, white, or reddish skin and may have a scaly appearance.
Preventative Measure: To help protect paws, try coating them with a bit of cooking spray before walking in the blistery cold.
“Mommy, I Am Hungry….”
During cold months, animals (especially dogs) may need additional food because they burn extra calories trying to keep warm. Please pay close attention to your pet’s appetite and increase portions accordingly.
Cats + Fan Belts = Danger
Seeking warmth and shelter, cats crawl in parked vehicles and curl up near the engine. When the car is started, the outcome is tragic. This is one of the many reasons why the Montgomery County Humane Society recommends that cats should be indoors-only.
Preventative Measure: In order to prevent cats from being seriously injured or killed, honk the horn or knock on the hood several times before starting the vehicle.
Skidding Cars
Pets that run loose are in danger of being hit or killed by skidding vehicles. Snow and ice make it more difficult or impossible for drivers to stop their vehicles.
Preventative Measure: Keep your pets on a leash or in a fenced in yard.
Read more Winter Pet Safety Tips on the Montgomery County Humane Society web site.
