Winter Animal Tips
Ice Melting Chemicals
Ice melting chemicals may be irritating to your pets, so check their feet for bits of ice melt that may have become lodged between their toes after taking them for a walk - particularly after a snow or ice storm. Wipe your pet's feet with warm water to reduce the possibility of irritation. Check with your local hardware store or pet supply provider to see if they carry special ice melting preparations that are "animal friendly."
Toxic Chemicals
Anti-freeze is toxic to animals, who can be drawn to its sweet smell; if they drink it, the effects can be disastrous. This provides another reason to make sure your car's cooling system is in good condition. Make sure your car does not leak and if you drain the antifreeze from your car, make sure you do not leave any open containers out in the open. There is now a type of antifreeze available that does not have a toxic effect; look for it in your local automobile supply store. If your pet does drink antifreeze, or another harmful substance, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. The following are a few hotline numbers and websites for more information about animal poisonings. These hotlines charge a consultation fee.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Center, 1-888-426-4435
www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=apcc - Animal Poison Hotline: 1-888-232-8870
www.animalpoisonhotline.com - National Animal Poison Control Center, 1-900-680-0000 or 1-800-548-2423
http://workingdogs.com/doc0002.htm
Outdoor Pet Care
If you own an animal that spends all, or a majority of its time outside, there are several things to remember when the weather turns cold.
Pennsylvania Law requires any animal that spends any length of time outside must have access to clean and sanitary shelter that provides protection from inclement weather, aids in the preservation of its body heat and keeps it dry. Leaving an animal outside without adequate shelter is considered cruelty and carries a fine of up to $300.
When the weather drops below freezing, it is important to ensure your pet's water supply does not freeze. Check water regularly and refresh it frequently. Placing the water supply inside your pet's shelter may help prevent freezing.
In cold weather it is also recommended that you offer your outdoor pet extra food. The extra calories will help the animal maintain strength and stay warm in cold weather.
Holiday pets
Frequently, the holiday season becomes a time when people consider a new pet for the family. Some important things to remember:
- Holiday decorations can present a health hazard to a puppy or kitten.
- New pets require a lot of time and care. All the hustle and bustle of the holiday season may interfere with providing that level of care. This is such a large problem that some humane societies will not permit adoptions during a designated holiday period. If your family is serious about a new pet, plan on adding a new pet after the holiday season. There will be a lot less stress for all involved.
Dog Licensing
Pennsylvania State Dog Laws require that all dogs over the age of three months be licensed in the county where they live on or before January 1 every year. Dog licenses can be purchased at the Chester County SPCA http://www.ccspca.org, or you can download the license application.
- Chester County Dog License Fees
http://www.chesco.org/treasure.html#fees - Chester County Dog License Application
http://www.chesco.org/treasure.html#dog
Completed dog license applications can be mailed to:
c/o Treasurer's Office
2 North High Street
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6370
Questions can be directed to the Chester County SPCA at (610) 692-6113 or the Chester County Treasurer's office.
(610) 644-3221
animalcontrol@tredyffrin.org
