MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – It may have taken longer than normal this year but cold temperatures and snow have arrived and keeping your pets safe is important as they go outside.
The weekend brought cold temperatures along with frigid wind chills which can be dangerous for dogs or other pets that are left outside. The National Weather Service gave some tips to ensure that you are protecting your pets this winter:
- Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
- Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he/she comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He or she can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
- Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.
- Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. Keep pets indoors in possible, especially if they are sensitive to the cold weather due to age, illness or breed type.
If you would like to find out which products can help your pets stay warm during the cold months, head to Pet Supplies Plus on Central Ave. in Marshfield.
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
