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Tips on pet care during cold weather

Just because dogs and cats have fur, that doesn’t mean they are oblivious to the cold. Because low temperatures affect pets as well as people, the Georgia Department of Agriculture offers tips on keeping your animals safe this winter.

Make sure that pets have shelter from the wind and elements. Typically, dogs and cats can comfortably tolerate temperatures in the high 30s with little or no wind. Once the temperature drops below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, consider bringing your pets inside a basement or interior room for the night. If you cannot bring your pet inside, provide abundant bedding, protection from wind and rain and a well-insulated sleeping area.

Freezing temperatures can damage an animal’s water and food supply. Always make sure your animal has plenty of water available at all times, not just a block of ice in its water dish. Pets kept outdoors may require more food to help their bodies meet the energy demands of colder weather. Although frostbite is not common in the South, smaller pets in particular can suffer from frostbite just like people in frigid temperatures.

“Being responsible pet owners means taking special care to ensure the safety of our animal companions when the weather turns cold,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin. “We urge Georgians to use these tips as guidelines for keeping their dogs and cats warm and healthy this winter.”

To help pets throughout the year, Georgians can purchase a Dog and Cat Sterilization License Plate when renewing their vehicle registrations. Now available at county tag offices statewide for a $25 one-time fee, the Dog and Cat Sterilization License Plate supports the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s newly-created spay/neuter program. More than 32,000 license plates have been issued statewide since December 2003, earning more than $750,000 for the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. More than 9,500 spay/neuter procedures have been approved statewide through this innovative program. Purchase a Dog and Cat License Plate and help “Fix Georgia.”