In cold weather, keep your pets away from antifreeze solution, and promptly clean up any antifreeze that spills. Antifreeze is attractive to pets and is deadly, even in very small amounts.
Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended when the temperature gets below freezing! Pets that get too chilled could develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite.
FOOT (PAW) CARE
If your dog frequently lifts up his paws, whines or stops on his walks, his feet are uncomfortably cold. Be sure to get your dog used to wearing boots before cold weather sets in. Another frequently seen foot problem is the formation of iceballs between the pads and toes of the feet, especially in dogs with long fur. Once iceballs form, they are very painful, much like walking on rocks. When dogs get these, they often whine, stop walking and start chewing at the bottoms of their feet to remove the painful iceballs. To help prevent iceballs, trim hair around your dog's feet. Apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil, or PAM spray to your dog's feet before taking him for a walk. Make sure you use oil that can be eaten; most dogs lick at their paws. If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash his paws after your walk. Salt is very irritating to footpads. Many dogs will quickly start whining and biting at their feet after just a few steps on salted roads. Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove the salt as soon as your dog is off the road.
OUTDOOR PETS
Outdoor pets need a sheltered place that is well bedded with DRY straw, shavings, blanket strips or other insulating material that traps warm air. Also, remember that animals drag a lot of moisture into their bedding areas from snow, rain and mud. Check it often and change it whenever it is wet, or your pets can't keep themselves warm. Northern dog breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes who actually work in the winter pulling sleds need more calories.
INDOOR PETS
The rest of the pet population generally gets less active in winter. Consequently, cut back a bit on what you feed your animals, or your vet will be nagging you in spring about your portly pets.
CATS
Most cats prefer to spend winter indoors, but be cautious if your cat likes being outside. Don't let him out in bitterly cold weather, and be sure he has a warm place to go if he spends a lot of time outdoors. Cats left outdoors have a particular hazard; they often crawl into a warm car engine to get warm. When that engine is next started up, the cat can be seriously injured or killed by the fan blade or belt. It's much safer to keep your cat indoors in winter. For more cold weather information for your pets, talk to your veterinarian.
Animal Control
Just a reminder that Hardin does have a leash law
Meaning all dogs and cats shall be kept
within the real property limits of its owner or secured by a leash or lead or under the control of a responsible person.
A dog or cat shall be considered a nuisance if it is allowed to damage, soil, defile, or defecate on private property other
than the owner's or on public walks and recreation areas unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the owner; causes unsanitary, "dangerous",
or offensive conditions; causes a disturbance by excessive barking or other noisemaking; or chases vehicles, or
molests, attacks, or interferes with persons or other
domestic animals on public property.
And dog and cat owners shall ensure that their dog or cat carries identification at all times in the form of microchip,
tag, or other means to allow easy determination of the owner and the owner of every dog or cat shall be held
responsible for every behavior of such dog or cat.
Tips for Dog and Cat owners from
Hardin’s (ACE) Animal Control Officer
Remember you are the owner.
As much as you love your puppy or kitten and the two of you are the best of friends, never forget that you are indeed the owner and the one in charge.
You will need set rules and expectations and stick to them.
Dogs and even Cats are not self-sufficient.
They will need to be fed daily.
Many breeds will need brushed and groomed regularly.
They require proper training and should be played with often.
You also need to explore what appropriate dog/cat containment and shelter system is best suited for your living situation to ensure they are physically safe at all times.
Dogs/Cats need to be taken for medical attention for both well and sick visits.
Finally remember that proof of current rabies vaccination is REQUIRED to license your Dog and/or Cat with the City by February 1, 2024 (at normal fees).
