01/30/2019
Steuben County Sheriff's Office has issued the following media release. Please keep your pets safe through the bitter cold temps and wind chill. Thank you to the Sheriff's office for the post! ❤🐾
MEDIA RELEASE
Pet Safety during extreme cold weather
January 29, 2019
The National Weather Service anticipates extreme cold temperatures this week. The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office reminds all responsible pet owners that now is the time to plan accordingly for the harsh winter weather. The snow and cold aren’t just harmful to people, they can also be hazardous for your pets. Here are a few safety tips to help keep your pets safe.
Cold Weather Tips:
Don't leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time. Be attentive to your pet's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors. Cats and dogs may have fur coats but they aren’t equipped to be out in sub-zero freezing temperatures for long periods of time.
• Keep your pet warm, dry, sheltered and away from drafts. Make sure to place blankets and pads on floors even in the sheltered areas.
• Your pet needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated.
• If you need to go outside during the storm, limit exposure and make sure your dog is on a leash and wearing an ID tag. More dogs get lost during winter than any other time of year.
• Don't leave your pet alone in a vehicle without proper precautions. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will plummet.
Health Tips:
• Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your pet, it can be lethal.
• Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse your pet’s feet after a walk with a warm, damp cloth or towel and be sure to dry them off afterwards.
• Provide plenty of fresh water. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer.
• Frostbite is a winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on your animal's ears, tail and feet, don't leave your pet outdoors for too long.
• Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your pet. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
• Animals can be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your pet to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.
• Winter does not necessarily mean the end of insect season. Likewise, winter does not mean you should stop giving heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives to your cherished companions.
If your pet encounters any health issues due to the information provided above, please contact your veterinarian for further instructions.
If you observe animal cruelty or neglect, please contact the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office at 607 622-3911. If you observe an emergency or crime in progress, please call 911.
