With this weekend’s temperatures expected to fall below freezing, the city of Fort Worth is urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their animals.
Freezing weather can be life-threatening to companion animals, according to the SPCA of Texas. The organization advises that if you are feeling cold, your pets are feeling cold as well.
Here are some ways you can keep your fur friends protected throughout this weekend:
Keep your pet indoors as much as possible
Once temperatures fall below 20 degrees, pet owners are advised to bring all companion animals inside if possible. Cold and wet weather conditions can lead to hypothermia and pneumonia in animals, with young and senior animals more susceptible to contracting illnesses. This weekend, limit outdoor activities as much as possible and only take pets out on short walks or bathroom breaks.
Texas’ Safe Outdoor Dogs Act makes it illegal to leave a pet outdoors during extreme weather without proper shelter. If a pet is an outdoor animal, ensure that you are able to create or secure proper shelter. Shelters for outdoor pets should be elevated off the ground, enclosed on at least three sides, and filled with dry, easily insulated bedding such as straw. Towels and bedding are not advised as they can easily freeze if wet.
It is also recommended to never leave your pet inside a car during extreme weather, as cars can act as refrigerators, possibly freezing an animal to death.
Watch out for ice-melting chemicals on sidewalks and roads
Chemicals such as antifreeze, ice melt and salt can be life-threatening to your pet if ingested. They can also create irritation on the paws, creating the possibility of cuts, frostbite or skin cracks.
After walks or bathroom breaks, make sure to wipe off your pet’s paws to ensure they do not lick their paws and ingest any harsh chemicals being used on sidewalks and roads, and to avoid any possible skin irritation. It’s also recommended by the SPCA of Texas to avoid pavement and walk on grass as much as possible, or consider getting your pet booties or paw covers when taking them out on walks this weekend.
Ensure your pet has access to fresh food and unfrozen water
Outdoor pets require more food intake than normal during cold weather so they can produce more body heat to keep themselves warm.
Pet owners should ensure their animals have an adequate food supply throughout the weekend, especially if kept outdoors, according to the SPCA of Texas.
Pets also may become more dehydrated due to cold weather. When providing a pet with water this weekend, ensure the water is fresh and not inside a metal bowl in order to avoid freezing.
Ensure your pet is properly groomed and protected from the weather
It is essential to never groom your pet’s hair down to its skin during the winter months, according to the SPCA of Texas. Although it is easy to assume pets may have the ability to stay warmer due to their outer coats, indoor pets tend to shed their undercoats, leaving them unprepared for colder weather. Pets should maintain a long coat, and when bathed, be completely dry before stepping outdoors.
Although long hair does help with warmth, matting may interfere with proper insulation. Pet owners should thoroughly brush long-haired animals to ensure their coats keep them properly insulated.
Pet owners should also consider buying protective clothing such as sweaters, coats and booties.
Double-check beneath cars and nearby heat sources
Pet owners should ensure that pets are not getting too close to heat sources such as fireplaces, space heaters or heating pads to avoid possible burn injuries.
Additionally, all North Texas residents should check underneath cars before starting them, according to the SPCA of Texas. Small animals and outdoor cats may be resting underneath your car seeking warmth. Look carefully under the exhaust pipes and tires, and honk your horn to coax them out if necessary.
Fort Worth assistance and services for impacted pet owners
Fort Worth Animal Care & Control will be providing free dog houses, straw, food and sweaters for pet owners in need. Contact FWACCINTAKES@fortworthtexas.gov for further assistance.
If you see an animal in distress due to weather conditions, contact 817-392-1234 or use the MyFW app.
Arlington assistance and services for impacted pet owners
The Arlington Animal Services shelter will be accepting pets of homeless individuals as capacity allows. If impacted, please contact 817-459-5898 or visit the shelter at 1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd.
Bianca Rodriguez-Mora is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at bianca@fortworthreport.org.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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