Fleeces for Fido & Winter Weather Pet Safety Reminders
 
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  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control reminds pet owners to protect their pets during cold weather.
  • Dogs in the shelter are sporting new fleece coats, including Carolina Panther themed ones, thanks to a large donation from a crafty duo!

Charlotte, January 5, 2016:  The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Animal Care & Control Division reminds pet owners that cold temperatures have arrived!  Below freezing temperatures are in our region and it's imp??‹ortant you take precautions to keep your pets warm, dry and safe. 
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The best option is to bring outdoor pets inside!
If are unable to bring animals into your heated living space, but have a garage or basement, remember if they are not heated the temperature inside these areas will likely fall below freezing so proper bedding or straw needs to be used in these areas as well. When taking dogs out for bathroom breaks remember to consider the breed and the type of fur coat they have, some dogs can not tolerate the cold temperatures for an extended period of time.  Dog coats are a good option for these breeds.  When winter weather occurs always make sure to inspect the dogs paws when they come inside and if they have walked on surfaces that may have been treated for ice be sure to clean their paws thoroughly.
 
Project: Fleeces for Fido
Project: Fleeces for Fido is a new initiative created by Rachel Schul and Animal Care & Control Volunteer Danielle Kleinrichert. Danielle and Rachel have developed their own assembly line to sew colorful, fun fleece coats for our shelter dogs.  To date they have donated 165 fleece dog coats.  Their goal is to make 300 coats to help keep shelter dogs toasty this winter. The staff and volunteers are very fond of the Carolina Panther themed fleeces and remind adopters that all of our animals are Carolina Panther fans, adopt your furry panther fan today!  If you would like to donate towards this project please contact CMPD Animal Care & Control's Melissa Knicely at mknicely@cmpd.org


 Safety tips to keep in mind during the winter months: 
Pets must build up a thicker coat and get their footpads toughened for snow and ice. Also, pets that get too cold could develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Animals that stay well-hydrated are less likely to be affected. That is why it is especially important to make sure if your pet has outside water bowl it does not freeze. Break up any ice that forms in the bowl and change the water frequently.

Animals also like the taste of antifreeze, but it is a deadly poison. The most likely source of antifreeze is from radiator drainage in your garage or driveway. If your car leaks any antifreeze, immediately wash it away with water.

Below is specific advice related to different pets??‹:
OUTDOOR PETS – PROPER SHELTER
If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, let him get acclimated gradually to dropping temperatures. Outdoor pets need a sheltered place that is well-bedded with DRY straw, shavings or blanket strips that trap warm air. Remember, animals drag a lot of moisture into their bedding areas from snow, rain and mud. Check their bedding often and change it whenever it is wet. Also, outdoor pets need more food during the winter because extra calories allow them to produce more body heat.  Please consult your local animal ordinances to make sure you are complaint with the law in caring for your outdoor pet.  The recommendation is to bring the pet inside during cold temperatures.

CATS
Cats prefer to spend the winter indoors, but if your cat prefers to stay outside, be very cautious. Cats left outdoors have a particular hazard because they often crawl into car engines to stay warm. When the engine is started up, the cat can be seriously injured or killed by the fan blade or belt.

PUPPIES
Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside.

DOG FOOT (PAW) CARE
Thoroughly wipe off dog's legs, feet and stomach when they come in out of the snow or ice.  They can ingest salt, antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals if they lick their paws.  Be sure to inspect the pads of their feet for encrusted ice as they may crack from the cold.  Many dogs need boots in cold weather
DOG OUTERWEAR
Dogs with very short coats have the least tolerance for cold. Extremely short-coated breeds include Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers and Miniature Dachshunds. These breeds should not go outside without a sweater or a coat. Dogs should not be shaved down to the skin during the winter months. If you bathe your dog during the winter, be sure the dry them completely before they go outside.