MEMA’s PET SAFETY TIPS FOR THE WINTER MONTHS MEMA offers some tips to help insure your pets safety. For additional information about keeping your pets …
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY
_____________________________
MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
400 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01702-5399
Tel: 508-820-2000 Fax: 508-820-2030
Website: wwwmassgov/mema
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Peter Judge
January 22, 2007
508 820-2002
MEMAs PET SAFETY TIPS FOR THE WINTER MONTHS
FRAMINGHAM, MA “ As the winter weather finally settles in, it is
important that you think about keeping your pets safe from all of the
dangers that the season can present, stated Massachusetts Emergency
Management Agency Acting Director Ken McBride MEMA offers some tips to
help insure your pets safety
Do not leave your pet outdoors when temperatures drops below freezing
Dogs need outdoor exercise, but take care not to keep them outdoors for
lengthy periods of time during very cold weather Short-coated dogs may
feel more comfortable wearing a sweater
during walks Dogs and cats are
safer indoors in all sorts of extreme weather
Wind-chill is a threat to pets, even those protected by shelters
Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is
large enough to allow the dog to both sit and lie down comfortably, but
small enough to retain body heat The floor should be elevated a few
inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw The
entrance of the doghouse should be turned to face away from prevailing
winds, and the entrance should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof
fabric or heavy plastic
Pets who spend a greater amount of time outdoors in the winter need more
food
Maintaining warmth depletes energy Routinely check your pets water dish
to ensure the water is fresh and not frozen To prevent your pets
tongue from freezing to a metal bowl, plastic, rather than metal food and
water bowls are preferred
Be leery of frozen bodies of water
Always keep your pets on a leash when walking them near suspected frozen
bodies of water The ice may not be sturdy enough to support your pet
If a pet falls through the
ice do not attempt to rescue your pet
yourself, go for help
-more-
Antifreeze and de-icing chemicals can be hazardous
Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can attract animals Always store
antifreeze out of reach and clean up spills Antifreeze made with
propylene glycol can actually be swallowed in small amounts and not
injure pets, wildlife or humans De-icing chemicals, including salt, can
irritate the pads of your pets feet Wipe your pets feet with a damp
towel after coming indoors, even if salt on sidewalks is not visible
Warm automobile engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife
Parked vehicles can attract small animals, which may crawl under the hood
seeking warmth To avoid injuring hiding animals, bang on your cars
hood to scare them off before starting your engine
For additional information about keeping your pets safe, go to the State
of Massachusetts Animal Response Team website at wwwsmart-massorg
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency MEMA is the state agency
responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private
resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective
response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel
to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist
individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against,
prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural
and man made For additional information about MEMA and All Hazard
Preparedness, go to wwwmassgov/mema
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———————–
Deval L Patrick
Governor
Timothy P Murray
Lieutenant Governor
Kevin M Burke
Secretary
Kenneth J McBride
Acting Director
Source:smart-mass.org
