THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
THE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
_____________________________
Tel: 508-820-2000
Fax: 508-820-2030
Website: www.mass.gov/mema
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Peter Judge, MEMA PIO
November
20, 2009
(508)
820-2002
FRAMINGHAM, MA – “As the harsh
winter months settles in, it is important that you think about keeping your pets
safe from all of the dangers that the season can present,” states
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Don Boyce.
“MEMA offers some tips to help insure your pet’s safety.”
·
Do not leave your pet outdoors when temperatures drop below
freezing. Dogs need outdoor exercise, but take care not to keep them outdoors
for lengthy periods of time during very cold weather.
Pets that are mostly indoors need time to adapt to cold temperatures by
building up a thicker coat and toughening their footpads for ice and snow.
Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
Dogs and cats are safer indoors during all sorts of extreme weather.
·
Care for your pet’s feet. If your pet walks on salted or chemically
treated areas, be sure to wash its paws after your walk.
Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove these irritants as soon
as your dog is off the road. Many
dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of their coat length.
If your dog frequently lifts up its paws, whines or stops during
walks, it may be demonstrating that its feet are uncomfortably cold.
·
Wind-chill is a threat to pets, even those protected by shelters.
Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is
large enough to allow the dog to both sit and lie down comfortably, but small
enough to retain body heat. The
floor should be elevated a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar
shavings or straw. The entrance of the doghouse should be turned to face away
from prevailing winds, and the entrance should be covered with a flap of heavy
waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.
·
Pets who spend a greater amount of time outdoors in the winter
need more food. Maintaining warmth
depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to ensure the water is
fresh and not frozen. To prevent
your pet’s tongue from freezing to its feeding or drinking bowl, plastic,
rather than metal food and water bowls are preferred.
· Locked cars are a danger is the winter. Never leave a pet locked inside a car during extremely cold weather. Cars can actually act like a refrigerator, holding in cold air, putting your pet at risk.
· Antifreeze and de-icing chemicals can be hazardous. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can attract animals. Always store antifreeze out of reach and clean up spills. Antifreeze made with propylene glycol can actually be swallowed in small amounts and not injure pets, wildlife or humans.
· Warm automobile engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked vehicles can attract small animals, which may crawl under the hood seeking warmth. To avoid injuring hiding animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them off before starting your engine.
The
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible
for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during
emergencies and disasters in the
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365 East Street
12-I
Tel: 978-328-1500 Fax: 978-851-8218
Tel: 508-697-3600 Fax: 508-697-8869