Don’t leave them out in the cold

As temperatures plummet and wind chills whip up, it is important to make sure area animals have what they need to survive the winter.

“Winter weather is hard on all of us with snow, ice and dangerously low temperatures. If possible, bring your pets inside during cold winter weather,” said Theresa Weldon with Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin.

Tri-County Animal Rescue in Shippenville also posted a plea on Facebook for people to be aware of the winter weather’s impact on animals.

“Please take pets in, we have below zero weather coming. Provide strays and wildlife with food and water. Please provide shelter for strays when possible, even a box with straw will help,” the shelter posted.

Clarion PUPS also posted on Facebook about the subject.

“Life-threatening temperatures are moving into our area. Please bring your outside pets inside to a garage or basement,” the rescue posted.

Weldon said if pets cannot come indoors, owners need make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in the pet’s body heat.

People should raise the floor a few inches off the ground and fill it with cedar shavings or straw, Weldon said.

The enclosure should be turned away from the wind direction and the doorway should be covered with a waterproof burlap or heavy plastic, she said.

“Pennsylvania law requires outdoor animals have a three-sided shelter with a roof,” Weldon added.

She said people should not use dog beds or blankets in outdoor shelters because, once they become wet, they are worse than no bedding at all.

“If your dog is outside and tied up, its critical that the animal can access his shelter,” Weldon said. She said chains can freeze to the group and suggested people consider a swivel hook to hold the chain and a coated wire cable rather than a heavy chain to ensure maximum mobility.

Weldon also said people should move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.

“If the animals are outside, make sure their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles,” she added. “Believe it or not, drinking water is very important during winter weather. If you see your animals eating snow, they probably are not getting enough fresh drinking water.”

Weldon added that animals should be given fresh warm water at least once a day along with more food as they will be burning more calories trying to stay warm.

Outdoor cats

While keeping your cat indoors is always preferable, area rescues did provide a few tips on helping those kitties that live outdoors.

Clarion PAWS in Shippenville echoed the sentiment of taking pets indoors.

“If at all possible its best if cats can come indoors. We know that isn’t always a possibility though,” the shelter said.

The shelter suggested providing outdoor cats with some sort of shelter.

“They need a warm shelter to hide in. You can buy them or make them with Styrofoam coolers, hay/straw, and large plastic bins,” the shelter said.

“For outdoor neighborhood cats, it’s a great idea to put a styrofoam cooler with a hole in one side filled with straw and placed out of the wind, like under a porch,” Weldon said.

Another danger to outdoor cats is automobiles.

“Be especially aware of cars in the winter,” Weldon said. “Cats will often climb up under the hood or wheel well of warm cars to stay off of the wet snow and get warm from the engine.”

“Unfortunately fans can be fatal to cats when you unknowingly start your engine,” she said. “It may not be possible to open your hood if its frozen shut, but a quick tap on the hood may startle a cat to move to safety.”

Clarion PAWS said, “It is always good to make noise before starting your car in case an animal has climbed inside for warmth.”

Winter hazards

Weldon also mentioned other winter dangers that can harm pets even if they live full-time inside.

“Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet’s paws. Wipe their paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth,” Weldon said.

She suggested that pet owners can also use booties for your pet if you walk them on city sidewalks for added protection.

“If your pet’s paws become pink or raw, you need to put a protectant on their feet – like bag balm, or vaseline – and child’s socks on their feet to help them heal,” Weldon said.

She also warned of the dangers of antifreeze.

“Antifreeze is a deadly poison,” she said. She added that people should wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. Pet safe antifreeze products are available.

Help available

Weldon mention that Precious Paws has straw, dry dog food, dog houses and feral cat shelters available to those who need them.

People should call the rescue at  (814) 671-9827 to coordinate pick up, since the rescue is done with its SNYP clinic until Jan. 3.

Weldon said that after Jan. 3, people can stop in at SNYP in Franklin on any Tuesday to pick up the above items.

Be their voice

Weldon said the Venango County Sheriff’s Department responds to complaints that animals don’t have adequate shelter.

She added that “Pennsylvania has a House Bill, HB 869, that would prevent animals from being tethered outside 24×7 in extreme weather conditions and increase the penalties for animal cruelty.”

She urged people to contact state Rep. R. Lee James in Venango County and ask him to sign on as a sponsor of the bill.

Take precautions to protect pets

HARRISBURG — The Pennsyvlania Emergency Management Agency also issued a press release on animals and cold weather. The agency urged the public to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their pets.

“While it’s easy to think that dogs are immune to cold because of their fur, the fact is that more dogs perish in the winter than at any other time of the year,” said Joel Hersh, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team (PASART.) “Some are better able to handle the cold than others, but a taking a few simple precautions can ensure an enjoyable winter experience for both pets and their people.”

**Beware of cold temperatures. Many pets can be safe in outside temperatures with proper shelter, but puppies, smaller dogs, older dogs and cats should not be left outdoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees.

**Provide a protective shelter. If your dog or cat stays outside much of the time in the winter, his shelter needs to be raised a couple of inches off the frozen ground or concrete. The inside needs to have a blanket, cedar shavings or straw which should be changed frequently to keep him warm and dry. Add a flap to the door, and face the shelter away from the weather. The size of the shelter should be large enough so your pet can sit and stand, but small enough so his body heat will be retained in the house. Use a plastic water bowl to ensure your pet’s tongue does not get stuck to cold metal, and change the water often to keep it from freezing.

**Keep older, arthritic pets inside. These animals should not be left outside under any circumstances. Escort the older dog outside for toileting and use a leash if the yard has ice or snow. Older dogs can easily fall and seriously injure themselves.

**Watch for signs of frostbite and injury. Dogs’ ears, paws and tails are especially susceptible to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite, contact your veterinarian. If your dog plays on ice or hard, frozen dirt, his paws are susceptible to cuts as his paws slide across these rough surfaces. Always wipe your dog’s feet after a walk in the snow to remove ice balls and salt deposits from the road. Salt irritates a dog’s paws and can be toxic if ingested. Use only pet-safe ice melt.

**Keep an eye out for hypothermia. If you notice shivering, lethargy, low heart rate and unresponsiveness, bring your pet into a warm area, place a light blanket over him, and call your veterinarian.

**Eliminate the possibility of poisoning. Unfortunately, dogs like the sweet taste of antifreeze, which can cause sickness or even death if ingested. Make certain that all antifreeze containers are well out of reach of dogs and thoroughly clean any spills immediately.

***Keep your dog on a leash. Dogs rely heavily on a strong sense of smell to figure out where they are and can easily get lost during winter storms. Snow covering the ground will make their surroundings less familiar. Keeping your dog on a leash at all times – especially during winter storms – can help stop your dog from becoming lost. Also talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your dog, just in case.

**Don’t leave your dog inside of a parked car. Most people know this rule for the summer. A parked car can quickly amplify the effects of extreme weather. During the winter it can act as an icebox and trap cold air inside.

The agency also provided some information about the County Animal Response Teams or CARTs.

The CARTs were formed as an initiative of the PA State Animal Response Team (PASART), a private non-profit organization which receives the majority of its funding from the federal government through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). CARTs consists of volunteers from all walks of life – from experienced emergency responders, veterinary technicians, animal trainers and handlers to other men and women concerned with the welfare of animals. CARTs are based on the principals of the Incident Command System developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and involve a coordinated effort of government, corporate and animal organizations. For more information regarding Pennsylvania CARTS, people may visit www.pasart.us.

Feeding the hungry

Clarion PAWS in Shippenville has Peabody availalbe for adoption.

All the shelter’s cats have been spayed/neutered, Feline Leukemia tested and received basic vaccinations, a rabies vaccine, wormed and have had a wellness exam by one of our Clarion PAWS veterinarian partners. The adoption fee is $35 for adults and $70 for kittens. An adoption application is required.

The shelter is also in desperate need of food donations.

“Donations are needed… in addition to the Purina dry cat & kitten chow that we use, we are in desperate need of any brand of dry cat food … for our food bank,” the shelter posted on its Facebook page.”

“Our food bank shelves are completely empty and we had nothing to give when asked last evening. Please share and donate if you can,” the post continued.

Clarion PAWS is located at 11348 Route 322, Shippenville, Clarion River Hill, between Scrap Happy and Clarion Electric. The adoption center is open from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Fridays and Sundays. More information is available online at www.clarionpaws.org, the group’s Facebook page or by calling (814) 229-1231.

All dressed up and needs a place to go

The Venango County Humane Society in Seneca has dapper gentleman Tux available for adoption.

He is a 3-year-old neutered male domestic medium hair.

“Tux is a gentle cat who’s easy on the eyes. He’s sociable, intelligent, and likes company,” the shelter said. “This gent will be happy to live inside your home as long as you give him attention and a soft place to rest his head.”

Christmas list

The shelter also posted on Facebook about its donation/wish Christmas tree located in the lobby. It is available for those who would like to donate to the animals and the shelter. The shelter also posted a list of items for those who were unable to stop into the shelter.

Here is a list of items the shelter needs:

X-Small Dog Harnesses

X-Small Dog Leashes

Medium Dog Harnesses

Medium Dog Leashes

Large Bags of Purina Kitten Chow

Cardboard Cat Scratchers (Walmart, any size)

Hand Soap Refills

Glade Plug-in refills

$25 and $50 Walmart Gift Cards

$25 and $50 Tractor Supply Gift Cards

“The staff and the animals appreciate all the help and donations we receive from our generous community,” the shelter posted. “We hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!”

The humane society is open from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. It is located at 286 S. Main St., Seneca. More information on the Venango County Humane Society is available by calling (814) 677-4040 or online at venangocountyhumanesociety.org.

‘Max’imum enjoyment

Tri-County Animal Rescue Center has Max available for adoption.

Max is an 8-week-old male kitten that was born at the rescue.

“He is friendly, playful, and adorable, he has had a wellness exam, first vaccines and tested negative for feline leukemia, heartworms and fiv,” the shelter said.

Tri-County is located at 9562 Route 322, Shippenville. More information about Tri-County Animal Rescue Center is available on its Facebook page, by calling (814) 918-2032 or emailing contactus@Tricounty-arc.org.

One and only

Clarion PUPS has Fredrick up for adoption.

“This loving 8-year-old male Jack Russell terrier just needs a place to call home … and he promises not to water the Christmas tree,” the rescue posted. He must be an only dog. “He doesn’t play well with others,” the rescue said.

More information about Clarion PUPS is available by calling (814) 764-5580, by emailing clarionpups@gmail.com or on its Facebook page.

Looking back

Theresa Weldon with Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin posted about the rescue’s SNYP clinic on the group’s Facebook page earlier this week.

“We had our last SNYP clinic of 2016 today. For almost three years, we’ve been helping the community by making it affordable to spay and neuter their dogs and cats,” she posted.

“We’ve had some amazing support along the way, from unexpected grants to donations of food and supplies. With the support of people like you, and the amazing volunteers, both new and those who have been with us from the beginning, we have fixed over 4,000 pets, donated over 2 tons of pet food — including 24 bags today, and placed pets in loving, lifetime homes,” Weldon posted. “Thank you! May you and your families be blessed. Merry Christmas!!

LA Lockhart posted earlier this week about her foster Mylo on the Precious Paws’ Facebook page.

“Mylo, My Little One, is an almost 11-week-old kitten that we are fostering through PPAR. If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting Mylo, please go to the website pparfranklin.com and download the adoption application, fill it out and send it in. All animals through PPAR are vetted and spayed or neutered,” Lockhart posted.

Precious Paws can be reached by phone at (814) 671-9827 or by email at AdoptPreciousPaws@gmail.com. More information about the group and its low-cost spay/neuter program, SNYP, can be found online at pparfranklin.com or on the group’s Facebook page.
Donations can be made to Precious Paws, can do so through PayPal at Adoptpreciouspaws@gmail.com or mail a check to P.O. Box 784, Franklin, PA 16323.

 

(All About Animals is a weekly blog that appears on Venangoextra.com and Clarionextra.com. Interested persons or groups can submit information to bigdogs.thederrick@gmail.com. Readers may also submit photos or stories of their animals to bigdogs.thederrick@gmail.com. More information about the blog is available by contacting Anna Applegate at 814-677-8364.)