How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Winter
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If it is too cold outside for you, it is probably also too cold for your pet. Taking a few extra precautions can help keep your companion pets safe and warm during the colder months:
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Ensure the well-being of outdoor pets: If possible, bring outdoor pets inside during extremely cold weather. Ensure that outdoor shelters are insulated and protected from the wind.
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Keep pets hydrated: Provide a constant supply of fresh, unfrozen water.
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Adjust your pet's diet for the cold: In colder temperatures, pets may need extra calories to generate body heat and maintain a healthy metabolism.
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Monitor for cold-related issues: Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. If suspected, wrap your pet in warm blankets and bring them indoors or seek veterinary assistance immediately. Avoid warming affected areas too quickly as it may cause shock.
- Use pet-safe ice melts when possible.
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Refrain from trimming your dog's hair. Longer coats offer better insulation against the cold. For breeds with longer hair, a light trim can be done to reduce snow and ice from sticking to their fur. For short-haired dogs, consider investing in a coat or sweater.
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Protect your pet during cold conditions: After walks, wash and towel dry their paws, legs and abdomen to prevent irritation from ice, snow and salt. Apply a paw balm or petroleum jelly before going outside to safeguard and moisturize their paws, or use pet booties.
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Be aware of antifreeze poisoning. Antifreeze, used to regulate your car’s temperature, is toxic to pets. Clean spills promptly, keep containers closed and supervise pets around cars. Recognize signs of poisoning and seek immediate veterinary attention if an exposure occurs.
To report any pets left outside in extreme temperatures, please call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency dispatch number at 703-691-2131.
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Helping Community Cats During Cold Weather
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Community cats, or unsocialized cats who live outdoors with no specific guardian, greatly appreciate a place to stay dry and out of the elements during extreme temperatures. Constructing a shelter is easy to do and requires just a few simple supplies:
- Using a container such as a plastic tote or insulated cooler, cut a hole closer to the top of the container that is big enough such that the cat can comfortably enter/exit, but not too large to prevent excess snow and ice from entering.
To maximize heat retention, the size of the container you choose should be based on the number of cats using the structure, but should not be too large.
- Line the inside of the container with insulation material and use duct tape to secure it.
- Fill the interior with a generous amount of straw (not hay) which will help repel moisture and trap heat.
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From Fearful to Flourishing: Coco the Amazon Parrot
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Coco, a 40-year-old Amazon parrot, arrived at our shelter extremely fearful and shut down. Having never been out of her cage or handled, we moved her into a quiet office space where she could acclimate. While she was in our care, we did everything we could to make her comfortable - including bringing in a specialist to give her a beak and nail trim. With time, patience and dedicated care from our staff, we gradually started to see her true personality shine, and we even heard her start singing and whistling!
In order to help Coco on her journey to a loving home, we worked with Phoenix Landing, a local rescue partner specializing in parrot welfare. The rescue found Coco a wonderful foster home where she continued to blossom. Now, Coco is thriving in her adoptive home!
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Three Things You Can Do for Your Pet in the New Year
1. Spend some time learning about how your pet thinks: Our pets communicate with us in many different ways, including through their body language. Knowing how your pet thinks not only helps you better understand their behavior, it also strengthens your bond with them!
Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers fun, informative and free classes where we dive deeper into topics just like this one! Stay tuned for more details on upcoming offerings.
2. Provide your pets with enrichment: Enrichment means offering activities and environments that encourage your pet's natural behaviors and keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Enrichment comes in all shapes and sizes, ranging from interactive toys and engaging games to outdoor adventures and social interactions. It could be as simple as moving your cat's perch closer to a window for birdwatching or hiding some treats in a cardboard box for your dog or rabbit to forage.
3. Try positive reinforcement training: Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding desired behaviors with something your pet loves, like treats or a toy. Whether you are working with them on a new trick or refining their manners, positive reinforcement can build your pet's confidence, enhance learning, encourage engagement and promote problem-solving.
Helped by Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter: Spotlight on Cortez
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Cortez came through our doors needing several eye surgeries to help with the severe discomfort he was experiencing. Thankfully, Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter, our nonprofit fundraising partner, generously provided the funds for Cortez to not only get the eye surgeries he needed, but also dental work. Thanks to them, our dedicated staff, our contract vet Pender Veterinary Centre and a loving foster home, he is feeling much better and back to his playful self.
Through all his medical care, this resilient boy never stopped purring and chirping, always greeting us with nothing but warmth! Cortez is ready to find a home that will adore him as much as we do, and you can learn more about him on our website.
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Upcoming Events
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Give Together: A Family-Friendly Event by Volunteer Fairfax
Find Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Friends of Fairfax County Animal at Give Together! This event invites families to complete service projects and learn more about the work of several nonprofits serving our community. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Monday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Northern Virginia Community College
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Register for this Free Event
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Optimizing Health for Your Pup With a Plant-Based Lifestyle: A Free Educational Class
Join us for this free class on plant-based living for your pup with Gwyn Whittaker, CEO of GreenFare Organic Café and an Executive Producer of The Game Changers.
Learn how to improve your dog's skin, energy and well-being with meal prep of organic, fresh plant foods to boost your dog's lifespan.
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Register for this Free Class
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Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers Fairfax County residents the opportunity to have their pet vaccinated or microchipped without the cost of a veterinary exam. Learn more about vaccine and microchip clinics on our website.
Upcoming Clinics:
Friday, Feb. 2, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
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