WOODLAND – With weather getting colder, the Animal Welfare Council/Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic urges pet owners to take extra precautions with their pets during winter months.
Free animal bedding is available at the clinic for outside pets. The clinic is located at 1480 Shawville Hwy., Woodland (beside the Woodland Post Office). The bedding can be picked up from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, people can help their pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines:
- Don’t leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops.
Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Regardless of the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet’s life.
If a dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free dog house that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat.
The floor should be raised a few inches off of the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw, not a blanket, which can absorb moisture and freeze. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Some dog houses are available for outside dogs currently in inadequate housing that require an upgraded dog house. To obtain more information on the dog houses, contact 8-14-857-5280.
- Pets, which spend a lot of time outdoors, need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy.
Routinely check a pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen and use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal. When the temperature is low, a pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
- Be careful with cars and trucks.
Warm engines in parked vehicles attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl up under the hood to get warm. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on the vehicle’s hood to scare them away before starting the engine.
- The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet/s feet.
People should wipe all paws with a damp towel before a pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children.
People should wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach or use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol. If swallowed in small amounts, antifreeze-coolant will not hurt pets, wildlife or family.
- Dogs and cats are social animals that crave human companionship.
A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. Animal companions deserve to live indoors if possible.
The Animal Welfare Council/ Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic is a non-profit organization formed in 2006 by a group of individuals who share concern and passion for animals in the community and strive to fulfill the needs of local animals and their owners.
For more information about free animal bedding, to help animals withstand the cold or animal housing, contact the Animal Welfare Council or the Allegheny Spay and Neuter Clinic at 814-857-5280.