Winter and Pets: Red Cross Issues Cold Weather Safety Tips for Our Furry Friends
Brrrrr! Freezing temperatures, snow, sleet and ice – winter can be hard on everyone! The chilly weather can
also be difficult for our pets and the American Red Cross has steps people can follow to help ensure their
pet’s safety when cold weather hits.
“Bring pets inside, if possible, to protect them from low temperatures and severe winter weather,” said Amy Shlossman, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. “Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.”
also be difficult for our pets and the American Red Cross has steps people can follow to help ensure their
pet’s safety when cold weather hits.
“Bring pets inside, if possible, to protect them from low temperatures and severe winter weather,” said Amy Shlossman, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. “Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.”
Other tips pet owners should be aware of include:- Salt and other chemicals used to
melt snow and ice can irritate a pet’s paws. Wipe their paws with a damp
towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth. - Antifreeze
is a deadly poison. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. - Signs of frostbite include
discoloration of the frozen area, pale or even blue skin, no pain or lots
of pain. The pads of the paws, tail and tips of the ears are most
susceptible. - If your pet has frostbite, bring
them out of the cold. Spray the affected area with warm water. Lightly
apply a warm compress to the area. Do not rub or apply pressure. Take your
pet to your veterinarian immediately.
DOWNLOAD
PET FIRST AID APP The American Red Cross Pet First Aid App
provides dog and cat owners with resources on how to maintain their pet’s
health and well-being and what to do during emergencies until veterinary care
is available. Owners have access to step-by-step instructions, videos and
images from more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations including what
to do for cold-related emergencies.
PET FIRST AID APP The American Red Cross Pet First Aid App
provides dog and cat owners with resources on how to maintain their pet’s
health and well-being and what to do during emergencies until veterinary care
is available. Owners have access to step-by-step instructions, videos and
images from more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations including what
to do for cold-related emergencies.
Featuresin the app allow owners to:
·
Find
emergency pet care facilities or alternate veterinarians if they are out
of town with the ‘animal hospital locator.’
Find
emergency pet care facilities or alternate veterinarians if they are out
of town with the ‘animal hospital locator.’
·
Locate
pet-friendly hotels.
Locate
pet-friendly hotels.
·
Test
their knowledge with interactive quizzes and earn badges that they can share on
their social networks. They can also attach their favorite picture of their pet
when they share their badge.
Test
their knowledge with interactive quizzes and earn badges that they can share on
their social networks. They can also attach their favorite picture of their pet
when they share their badge.
The
app is available to download for free in app stores, by going to redcross.org/apps or by texting
‘GETPET’ to 90999. Additional winter storm safety information is available at redcross.org/wintersafety.
Looking for more winter safety tips for humans? Visit redcross.org/PrepareGuide.
app is available to download for free in app stores, by going to redcross.org/apps or by texting
‘GETPET’ to 90999. Additional winter storm safety information is available at redcross.org/wintersafety.
Looking for more winter safety tips for humans? Visit redcross.org/PrepareGuide.