Protect Your Pet from Weather Hazards

Important Cold Weather Info:

• Cats or dogs can, and do, get frostbite and hypothermia. Never shave your pet down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your cat or dog is short-haired, consider getting a coat or sweater.

• After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals. Massaging petroleum jelly such as Vaseline into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents.

• Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Towel dry your pet when they come inside, removing any snow balls from between foot pads.

• Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.

• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside whenever possible. In subzero temperatures, even outdoor pets should be brought inside until the severe cold has passed.

• In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.

• Some dogs do well in cold weather and may actually prefer to spend time outdoors during this season; cold weather tolerance varies from dog to dog. They should still be let inside to warm up or provided with shelter on three sides if they live outside, and be sure to watch your pet for signs of frostbite or hypothermia while they're out.

• If an animal is in immediate distress, law enforcement should be notified immediately. Animal cruelties can be reported to McHenry County Animal Control at (815)-459-6222

Important Hot Weather Info:

• Do not leave your pet in a hot car. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly. Even with the windows down, studies show that the inside of a care can get up to 15 degrees warmer than outside temperatures. Even short exposure to this heat can be dangerous for your pet.

• Provide water and shade. Make sure plenty of water is available to your pet when they are indoors, and especially when they are outside. While outside, be sure to find cool, shady spots for your pet.

• Dogs with light skin or fur are susceptible to sunburn, and in addition to providing shade, applying sunblock to the nose and ears can help prevent this. While trimming dog's coats can help them stay cooler, never save them because their fur provides sun protection for their skin.

 • Avoid heat when possible. Hot asphalt can burn the sensitive pads on dogs' paws. Avoid this by walking on grass or dirt and keeping your pet indoors during the heat of the day, which helps prevent overheating and sunburn. Provide cool areas in your home as well, like floor tiles or bathtubs, which cats will often seek out. 

• Watch for signs of heatstroke. Know the signs of overheating. This can look like excessive panting, fatigue, disorientation, glazed eyes, unsteadiness, vomiting, or seizures. If you notice these symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately and attempt to lower your pet's body temperature by moving them to shade, offering lukewarm water to drink, and slowly applying cool water to them. Do not put them in ice cold water, as it could cause shock. 

• If an animal is in immediate distress, law enforcement should be notified immediately. Animal cruelties can be reported to McHenry County Animal Control at (815)-459-6222