A Moment of Paws

By Mary Nee

You may have seen the story on the news recently about a cat named Schooner who was found frozen to a shipping container in Dedham, Massachusetts. It is likely his fur was wet given the extreme cold, when he made contact with the container, he stuck to it!

Fortunately, Schooner was found in time and brought to the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for treatment and rehabilitation. Although he was emaciated, he did not suffer from hypothermia.

Schooner was lucky, but there are hundreds if not thousands of animals, both owned and unowned, across Massachusetts who will have to endure the harsh winter elements on some level.

Remember, having fur does not equal total protection from the bitter cold! Whether they meow or bark, here are six tips as we head into the heart of winter:

• Prepare your dog for the elements. If you have a dog with a longer coat, let it grow out for the winter; it will provide warmth and some protection from the cold. For dogs with shorter coats, sweaters, jackets and booties can go a long way to protect your pooch.
• Wipe off your dog’s paws and stomach as soon as you get home. Sidewalks are treated with a number of chemicals to prevent snow and ice from sticking. These chemicals can irritate your dog’s paws, and can be poisonous if ingested.
• Keep outdoor trips quick. Bathroom breaks or walks, keep them short and sweet.
• Increase indoor activity. With a lack of outdoor time, indoor playtime is necessary to keep your pup entertained and engaged. Food puzzles, training and toys are just a few things to keep your pets occupied.
• Pay attention to your pet’s grooming and health. An animal with a matted coat cannot keep him or herself warm! Senior pets also suffer from increased arthritis pain in the cold, so check with your veterinarian on how to keep your pet comfortable.
• Never leave your dog alone in a cold car. Many Massachusetts residents are aware that it is illegal to keep an animal in a hot car. Under the same law, it is ALSO illegal to keep your animal in a cold car. When going out, leave your animals at home.

Finally, under Massachusetts law, a dog may not be tethered outdoors when a weather advisory, warning, or watch is issued, unless the tethering is for no more than 15 minutes.

If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your pet! Please keep these suggestions in mind to keep your beloved pet safe, healthy, happy and warm when winter finally settles in.

Mary Nee is the President of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, resides in Dorchester and is a part-time Eastham resident. Pet questions? Email ARL at [email protected].