Cold weather is getting ready to arrive in Central Illinois and Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) reminds pet owners that animals, particularly those outdoors, need special care during the winter months.
- Outdoor pets need proper shelter consisting of a structure with four sides, a roof, a floor, and a door covering. The shelter should be small enough to retain the animal’s body heat and large enough for the animal to lie down comfortably.
- Provide a windbreak and use wood shavings or straw as bedding. Do not use blankets, rugs, or towels because they retain moisture and will freeze causing more discomfort for the animal.
- Put your pet inside when the temperature dips below 10º. Even though a dog or cat might survive temperatures that low, they will be extremely uncomfortable.
- Pets need fresh water available at all times – snow does not count. Give your pet more food because the extra calories help keep it warm.
- Be careful of salt used to melt snow; it can irritate your pet’s feet.
- Be alert to antifreeze spills. Antifreeze tastes sweet and attracts animals but is almost always deadly.
Don’t forget about cold weather care for horses and other livestock.
- Livestock can thrive in winter weather as long as they have access to ample water (not snow or ice), plenty of hay, and a simple shelter.
- A shelter can be as simple as a line of trees that provides a windbreak and barrier for driving rain or snow. A three-sided shed gives the most protection from variable winds.
- Animals use calories to maintain their body heat. It is important to feed enough roughage to supply those calories. Livestock will often eat more hay in colder temperatures because digestion of the roughage releases heat and helps to keep them warm.
- Livestock often move around to get warm. Their winter coats insulate from most wind and moisture but moving will generate heat.
City, County, and State laws require that owners provide proper care for their animals. Pet owners will be ticketed or have their animals impounded if they fail to provide proper food, water, shelter, or medical care. If you see an animal suffering in the cold weather, please call PCAPS immediately at 672-2440.
For more information, please call Lauren Malmberg, Peoria County Animal Protection Services Director, at 672-2440.
