This weekend…. even a real fur coat won’t be enough! Helen Woodward Animal Center advice about coping with cold weather for pets...
(Photo: Helen Woodward Animal Center during the last rain event. Expect more of the same Saturday.)
With extremely cold temperatures, strong winds, rain, and snow down to 1,000 feet in the forecast for this weekend … even a real fur coat may not be enough to protect San Diego area pets. The animal experts at Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) say that, with a few precautions, you can help to keep your pets healthy, safe, and warm.
“This is a triple-whammy,” says HWAC spokesman John Van Zante says, “The cold temperatures present one danger to any domesticated animals that are left outdoors. The strong winds can break tree limbs and send other potentially dangerous materials flying through the air. Add rain or snow and the danger multiplies. Some people still think that their pets are meant to be outdoors. But since we’ve domesticated them it’s our responsibility to provide food, shelter, and protection from the elements.”
Helen Woodward Animal Center believes that pets are part of the family. “Do you really want a family member to sleep outdoors when the temperature dips? Probably not. The best way to keep your critters warm is to make sure they’re indoors with you.”
For pets that do stay outside, make sure that they have shelter and blankets that they can snuggle in. A safe heat source would also help to keep your pet warm.
Even indoor pets can have a hard time when it gets cold. Van Zante says, “If your pet is on the living room floor and it’s shivering from the cold, it needs your help. Most pet supply stores sell beds, blankets, sweaters, and wraps for pets.”
Some dogs with thicker coats handle cold weather better than pets with shorter coats. But, like us, they’re used to San Diego climate and may need protection from the cold.
“Many families will take their pets along when they visit the snow in the higher elevations. While your dog may be running and having fun with you, it may be ignoring its cold paws. Be aware of this and give it breaks to warm up, or just leave it home.”
For advice about pet safety during the cold weather or to adopt a warm, furry friend visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe, call 858-756-4117, or log on to HYPERLINK "http://www.animalcenter.org" www.animalcenter.org.
