Here are some tips on how to keep pets safe during cold snap

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Cold temperatures have arrived, and they’re going to dip even further in the days ahead.

So it’s more important to keep an eye out on animals that are not only at home but also roaming the streets or are in shelters.

Weather like this can be dangerous for pets.

In general, you should limit your pets’ time outside when temperatures drop.

That may mean shorter walks, since dogs can develop frostbite on the pads of their feet.

“They become our responsibility and our duty to take care of them as we take care of our children. Because for some of us, these are our kids,” said pet owner, April Reed.

If you absolutely have to keep an animal outside, insulate their shelter with straw instead of fabric, which can freeze.

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The Augusta Animal Shelter says they receive up to 10 calls a day from people concerned about how a pet is being treated in our area.

“We do get a lot of calls about dogs not being properly cared for. So, we try to make with the owner first before we actually confiscate a dog. That way, we can educate the owner about, you know, the things that need to be taken care of,” said Animal Control Officer James Dowdy.

Dowdy says there are a few things you can do to help make sure your pet is well taken care of.

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws, itchy, flaking skin, and other discomforts for pets.

“There is no ordinance or law stating that a person has to bring their dog inside during the cold weather. But what we do recommend, and what we do get the calls about the living conditions of dogs, we at least want to make sure the dog has shelter to get away from the elements, food, water, mainly stacking the igloo, or if you have a different brand of a different dog house, making sure it’s insulated,” he said.

The shelter is currently at 95% capacity.

While they encourage adoptions, they also look out for the pets, trying their best to find them a good home.

Reed said: “I don’t keep them outside. It’s the bare minimum to be able to exercise their legs, to enjoy fresh air and get that vitamin C and D. But other than that, just keeping them home and warm because their paws are just like our hands and our feet. So, keep in mind that the environment does affect their skin as well as it affects ours.”

All dog adoptions are currently free, and they will be having their home for holidays event later this month.

Stay up to date on winter weather by ing the WRDW Weather App on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers these tips:

• Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
• After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals - and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin.
• Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle.
• Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.
• , if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.

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