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For Immediate Release Date: January 4, 2017 Contact: Leslie Piotrowski (847) 377-8055
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Waukegan, Ill. –Not only can winter be a time of illness and injury if people
fail to take appropriate health and safety precautions, but harsh winter
weather conditions can be tough on pets as well. Following are some tips from the Lake County
Health Department/Community Health Center on how to help keep your pet safe and
healthy this winter.
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Do not leave pets
outdoors or in vehicles for extensive periods of time when it becomes
uncomfortably cold. Most dogs and cats
are safer indoors except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very
young or old dogs, and all cats should never be left outside without
supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel
more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. If your pet is shivering, it’s time to bring
it inside.
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Be aware of signs of hypothermia and frostbite
in your pets. Signs of hypothermia
include: violent shivering,
listlessness, lethargy, muscle stiffness, lack of appetite. Frostbite occurs when unprotected skin is
exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
In pets, frostbite generally affects the tail, ear tips and pads of the
feet as they are the most exposed and least protected by fur. Their skin will turn bright red followed by a
pale coloration, eventually turning black as the tissue dies. If you suspect your pet is experiencing
either, contact your vet immediately.
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No matter what the temperature, wind chill can
threaten a pet’s life. If your dog is an outdoor dog, it should be protected by
a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie
down comfortably, but small enough to hold in its
body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered
with cedar shavings or straw. The house
should face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof
covering or heavy plastic.
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Pets that spend a lot of time outside during the
winter need more food because keeping warm depletes energy. Make sure to
routinely check your pet’s water dish to make sure water is fresh and unfrozen.
Use plastic food and water bowls because when the temperature is low, the pet’s
tongue can stick and freeze to the metal.
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Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and
ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel
before your pet licks them and irritates its mouth. Trim excess fur from your pet’s pads so that
ice and snow do not accumulate between its toes which can cause discomfort.
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Antifreeze is a deadly poison with a sweet
taste, which may attract animals. Wipe up spills
and store antifreeze out of reach. If possible, use antifreeze coolant made
with propylene glycol. If this is swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt
pets.
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Do not allow your dog to run freely on open ice.
It can be difficult to judge the safety of the ice, and your dog could be at
risk of falling through.
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://www.lakecountyil.gov/152/Animal-Care-Control.
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