Freezing temperatures prompt warning for pet owners

WASHINGTON — The brutal cold has animal welfare workers warning pet owners to bring their furry companions inside.

“Special consideration should be made. Even if they’re accustomed to being outside, even if they’re an outdoor pet all the time,” says Don Johnson with Montgomery County’s Animal Services Division.

The freezing temperatures and wind chill are just too much for even the hardiest pet.

Dogs aren’t the only pets who should be inside. See this cat enjoying a sunny spot at @mcasac ? #subliminalmessage pic.twitter.com/e4UUI8hyD2

— Kate Ryan (@KateRyanWTOP) February 13, 2015

“We had a case today where two dogs escaped [from an area home],” Johnson says. “Fortunately our code enforcement officers were able to locate them and get them out quickly. Ice was starting to form on their skin.”

In Montgomery County, pet owners are allowed to tether their animals for a maximum of two hours a day within a 24 hour period, but not this Friday. That restriction will be in place until Monday, Feb. 16. Johnson says a violation of the restriction could result in a $500 fine. Johnson says the goal isn’t to fine pet owners, but to educate them.

Montgomery County provides the following information on what you should know about cold weather care for your pets, and how to report a problem if you see an animal in distress:

ASD Officers will be on-call, patrolling neighborhoods and responding to any animal-related emergencies. If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, please call the Animal Services Division immediately at 301-279-8000.

Tips from veterinarians for cold weather care of a dog include:

Provide a heated bed and shelter for dogs that cannot come indoors.
Avoid letting your dog eat snow. Keep fresh, room temperature water available at all times.
Keep food and water in a place where it will not freeze, preferably inside,
A dog’s ears and tail are susceptible to frostbite; check them after a dog has been outside for a long period of time.
Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
A dog licking the salt off the bottom of his paws can make him sick, so wipe his paws after he walks through a salted area.
Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather because a car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.