With more single digit and below zero temperatures possible this winter, area veterinarians are warning the public about the dangers pets and livestock face as the mercury drops. Pets are as susceptible to winter temperatures as humans and are sometimes overlooked when it comes to addressing their needs.
Charlie Powell, Public Information Officer with the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine says outside pet owners can follow a few simple steps to ensure pets stay warm enough.
Charlie Powell, with the WSU Vet Medicine program, offers this advice for pet owners
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Its also recommended that pet owners insulate dog houses and animal shelters with straw, wood shavings or blankets.
Additionally, outdoor pets require more calories in the winter to generate energy to ward off the cold, and water bowls should be checked multiple times per day to ensure they haven’t frozen over.
