Protect Your Pet from Winter’s Chill

Winter weather has arrived in Central Texas, and the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department’s Town Lake Animal Center has some tips to help keep pets happy and healthy during our colder months.

• Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

•  If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

• Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
• Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.

• If you need assistance with providing proper shelter the City has a limited number of free doghouses available for needy families.  To request a doghouse, call 311. If you have a doghouse that you're not currently using, or if you can afford to purchase a doghouse to donate to the cause, bring it to the Town Lake Animal Center at 1156 West Cesar Chavez, and we'll make sure it gets to a pet that will put it to good use. We are especially in need of large and extra-large dog houses to help needy families and their dogs