For Immediate Release Date: January 15, 2016 Contact: Leslie Piotrowski (847) 377-8055 Carolyn Waller (847) 377-8099
The Lake County Health
Department’s Animal Care and Control Program is reminding residents to take
extra precautions for their pets in bad weather. A new law under the Humane Care for Animals
Act went into effect January 1, making it a Class A misdemeanor offense for
owners who expose their companion animals to extreme heat or cold conditions
for prolonged periods of time, creating a life-threatening situation.
Following
are some precautions pet owners should take:
-
Limit the amount
of time pets are outside when temperatures are below freezing.
-
Provide coats
for short-haired pets, watch for and remove snow/ice buildup on pets with
longer hair.
-
Frostbite
happens quickly. Watch for signs of hypothermia or distress, such as redness of
the skin particularly around the ears, nose, and paw pads.
-
Keep pets away
from harmful chemicals such as antifreeze or deicers that can easily become
stuck between the paw pads.
-
Use caution with
space heaters as pets can brush up against them or knock them over, potentially
starting a fire or causing injury to the pet.
-
Always walk dogs
on leash, staying away from ice. Make
sure the pet’s collar is secure with an up-to-date rabies registration tag.
-
Provide proper
shelter if your pet cannot be brought inside, including:
--A
solid, draft-proof shelter that protects against wind and is water resistant. --Thick,
dry bedding that should be changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment
to sustain body temperature. --Access
to fresh food and clean, drinkable (non-frozen) water - heated water bowls are recommended.
During the winter, it is best to
keep your pets inside with the family. The happiest dogs are those that are
taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but are kept inside the rest of
the time. Dogs and cats crave human companionship and should be indoors with
you and your family.
For more information on pet safety,
please call the Health Department’s Animal Care and Control facility at: (847)
377-4700 or visit: http://health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/Pages/Animal-Care-and-Control.aspx.
|