HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As we will be feeling the effects of this cold weather, so will our pets and that's why it's important to ensure they stay nice and warm.
Director of Huntsville Animal Services, Dr. Karen Sheppard says, "it's very scary, we have been preparing here, concerned about outdoor pets. So we really want your cats and dogs inside. Period."
She emphasizes the best way to keep your pets safe is keeping them inside.
"We can consider a dog being left outside as cruelty. So a little puppy like this can't handle it even if it had a really good doghouse with straw around it."
Now if you do have an outdoor pet, and decide to put them in the garage, "you're going to want to have dry blanketing all in the crate or available as a bed. And then…cover the crate with blanketing…," Dr. Sheppard said.
You'll want to limit the time your pet is outside, "a lot of dogs are going to run outside, do their business and want to come back in and others are going to want to play. And as long as they're moving, just like human children, you're in good shape," Dr. Sheppard said.
If your dog has a thin fur-coat, consider putting them in a sweater and using booties to keep their paws warm.
"If they start showing signs of being cold, check their paws when they come in for ice balls," Dr. Sheppard said.
Salt and other chemicals to melt ice may also be on the road, which can be harmful on your pets paws.
If that happens, use a damp cloth to gently rub the irritants off their paws.
Also, "you need to be checking your water a couple of times a day because it'll freeze when it gets in the twenties and teens and below, especially with the wind and the wind chill."
And if you see a stray animal, "during the day, you can bring the animal in or you can call our department… at night you'll call the non-emergency police number. And we expect to get a lot of calls."
Huntsville Animal Services: 256-883-3782
Huntsville Police (Non-Emergency): 256-722-7100