WEATHER ALERT: Bring your pets inside!

Fospice pup Stanley is going to stay inside today, thank you very much!

We know some pups love to be outdoors as much as possible, and some kitties like to roam – we get it. It’s best to only let your pets outside when supervised, but we understand everyone’s families are different – and each pet has their own preferences! That being said, it is too cold! A good rule of thumb is to stand outside for a few minutes. If you’re uncomfortable, it’s too chilly for your pets to be out. This might result in some yowling and whining for the fans of the outdoors, but it’s for their own safety. 

Freezing temperatures can be dangerous and even deadly for companion animals. Wet and cold weather can lead to hypothermia or pneumonia in animals. Be especially cautious with very young or very old animals, because they are more susceptible to suffering medical issues due to the cold.

Quick trips outside for potty are totally fine, and for active dogs that need their exercise should wear a doggie sweater (an old T-shirt works great too) on their walks. Keep an eye out for black ice, and make sure to wipe your pup’s paws off with a warm washcloth to remove any road salt or chemicals from their paws. 

If you have a breed like a Malamute, Newfoundland, or Pyrenees, you may think they would love to spend all day outside in this weather! Actually, when these breeds are used to Texas weather and life indoors, they shed their undercoats and should never be made to stay outside for extended periods of time. Never shave your pets down to the skin in the winter; leave their coats long for more warmth. And when you bathe your pets, completely dry their coats before letting them go outdoors.

Pets aren’t the only animals at risk in this cold weather! If you have community cats in your neighborhood, please consider their safety this frigid weekend. Here is a guide to how you can protect community cats from the elements. Oh, and bang on the hood of your car or honk your horn before turning the engine on – community cats tend to climb up under your car to cuddle up to the warmth of the engine. Cats and small animals may seek shelter near or under your car, often in the exhaust pipe or under the hood. 

Stay safe and warm, y’all!