News Release From: Jackson County Animal Shelter
3370 Spring Arbor Road
Jackson, MI 49203
For: General Public
Subject: Cold Weather Alert
Date: December 28, 2017
JACKSON, Michigan
Cold Weather Advisory: The recent cold and snowy weather we are currently having can be hard on pets. The Jackson County Animal Shelter would like to remind all pet owners to pay attention to the daily weather report. Below zero nighttime temperatures are expected to periodically occur over the next two weeks. All pets need good shelter from the elements with clean water and sufficient food on a daily basis. Don’t let your cats outside and keep a close eye on your dog. Don’t forget about your best friend in these cold temperatures. The following comprehensive guidelines from the AMVA and ASPCA will help ensure your best friend makes it through the rest of the winter in good shape.
AVMA Website:
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx
ASPCA Website:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips
Selected Guideline Excerpts:
Know the limits: Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly.
Stay inside: Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.
Make some noise: A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it’s deadly. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood.
Check the paws: Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding.
Play dress-up: If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat.
Collar and chip: Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it’s critical that you keep the registration up to date.
Prevent poisoning: Clean up any antifreeze spills. Even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly.
Provide shelter: We don’t recommend keeping any pet outside for long periods of time, but if you are unable to keep your dog inside during cold weather, provide him/her with a warm, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that they have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl).
Recognize problems: If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia
Additional information about the Jackson County Animal Shelter is available online at: www.co.jackson.mi.us/Agencies/HD/animal_shelter/index.asp or by calling the Animal Shelter at (517) 788-4464.
Animal Shelter Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday 10am – 4:30pm
Closed for lunch 1-2pm
Saturday 10am – 1pm
