Brrrr! Cold Weather Tips for Your Pet from AHS

Associated Humane Societies wants you and your pets to be safe in this frigid weather, so please be smart and cover up. 

Some things to know:

• In  below-freezing temperatures, dogs CAN get frostbite on their paw-pads with prolonged exposure, and chemicals from ice-melt can be harmful. Protect their paws with dog boots and/or wipe down their paws when you return from a walk.
  

• Lost pets in freezing weather are a potentially deadly situation. PLEASE consider having your dogs AND cats microchipped. The AHS Mobile Unit microchips, please call 973-824-7080 x118 to find out when the van will be in your area.

• It can be difficult to potty train a new puppy in winter weather (for you and your puppy), so consider paper training in the coming weeks and transitioning outdoors when the weather breaks.

• Smaller dogs and short hair dogs fare best when wearing sweaters or jackets on walks. When temperatures are in the single digits, limit their time outdoors.

• If you see an animal outdoors this time of year that looks lost, injured, or is tied up or caged, try to provide a shelter (box with blanket, water/food) and contact your local Animal Control or AHS (our contact numbers can be found here: http://www.ahscares.org/page3.asp?page=carecenters&style=3). 

• Stay warm!

Image: Carlo, Chihuahua mix, available for adoption at AHS Newark, ID 121262. The shelter number is 973-824-7080, Hours are M-F, 12-5:30pm & Sat./Sun., 12-5pm