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CMPD reminds people to keep pets safe in bitter cold temperatures

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Animal Care and Control Division is reminding pet owners to keep their four-legged friends safe in the dangerously cold temperatures this week.

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Officials said the best option is to bring outdoor pets inside. If people are unable to bring animals into a heated living space, but have a garage or basement, remember temperatures in those areas will likely fall below freezing so proper bedding or straw needs to be used in those areas.

When taking dogs out to the bathroom, remember to consider the breed and type of fur coat they have because some dogs cannot tolerate cold temperatures for an extended period of time.

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Be sure to inspect the dog’s paws after walking on the cold ground, and if they have walked on surfaces that may have been treated for ice, be sure to clean their paws thoroughly.

Safety tips from CMPD Animal Care & Control for the winter months:

Pets must build up a thicker coat and get their paw pads 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 that if your pet has an outside water bowl it does not freeze. Break up any ice that forms in the bowl and change the water frequently.

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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.

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: Make Sure to 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.

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