As subzero temperatures move into our area, they aren’t just a danger to us, but to our furry friends as well.
The Naperville Area Humane Society recommends if pet owners take out their dogs in the next couple of days, to do so sparingly.
“The most important thing to me is to keep them inside,” said Michelle Lenz, animal care manager of the Naperville Area Humane Society. “Yes, your dogs have to go to relieve themselves, but it needs to be just that and come back in. There are those dogs who aren’t really going to care if it’s cold outside or not they love to be out. But, it’s really important they go out and do what they need to do and come back inside.”
With snow on the ground, your dog’s fur can get wet, chilling them faster. Pet owners should be observant of their dog, as they’ll show signs of being uncomfortable.
“Shivering is one thing, but you’ll definitely see them to start to lift their feet. My dog in particular the other day he was lifting two feet off the ground because we’ve been out there a couple of minutes. When they start to lift their feet and they’re hesitant to put their feet down get them back inside,” Lenz said.
And when your dog comes back in, Lenz recommends, “wash your dog’s feet and dry them. Sometimes salt can get in between the pads and cause irritation, sometimes they can cut the pad. So it’s important to inspect the feet everyday.”
Dogs can develop hypothermia in just 10 minutes in these temperatures. As Lenz says, “If you’re cold, they’re cold.”
Naperville News 17’s Christian Canizal reports.
