VERO BEACH — With Treasure Coast temperatures set to dramatically drop this evening and remain chilly throughout the week, the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is urging pet owners to protect their animals and offers the following tips:
Bring pets indoors. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Even dogs with heavy fur coats should stay inside. In the home, keep animals off cold tile flooring and give them blankets or pet beds to sleep on.
Appropriate dress required. Small dogs and dogs with short coats can easily chill. Provide them with a turtleneck sweater when going outdoors and keep walks brief.
Puppies, senior dogs, dogs who are ill as well as certain breeds (like bulldogs and pugs) are extremely sensitive to cold weather. These pets should only go outdoors to relieve themselves or should be allowed to go to the bathroom on paper indoors.
Keep animals at a safe distance from heaters and fireplaces. Make sure that all space heaters, electrical cords, candles, oil and gas products are out of a pet’s reach. Animals should never be left alone with any type of room heater.
Farm animals need protection, too. Provide all farm animals with shelter, extra food and warm bedding and check on them frequently.
Bang on the hood of your car before starting the engine. Warm car engines can attract small wildlife and cats. Banging on the hood a few will scare away any animal who may have crawled underneath for warmth.
If you have questions about keeping animals safe in cold or inclement weather, please call the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County at (772) 388-3331.
