ARKANSAS, USA — It's important for any pet owner to always keep the safety of their four-legged friends in mind, especially when winter weather blows through the area.
Cold weather can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for people, but for animals, especially small ones, cold can be life-threatening.
If your pet falls under any of these categories—and even if they don't—you may want to consider taking extra steps to prepare for winter weather:
- Short-haired
- Underweight
- Pre-existing health conditions
- Smaller
- Older (senior animals)
- Younger (kittens and puppies)
According to the Fort Smith Animal Haven (FSAH), signs of hypothermia in animals include shivering, stumbling, lethargy, dilated pupils, pale or gray gums, or slow heart rate and breathing.
If a pet exhibits any of these symptoms, owners should contact their local emergency veterinary office, or regular care provider if those are closed.
FSAH's tips for how to prepare indoor pets:
- Only go outside during the warmest hours
- Consider giving your pet an extra sweater (they'd also look adorable, so it's a real win-win)
- Wipe your pet's paws after they go outside to remove any salt that could cause infections
- Provide toys and playtime inside to keep animals moving
FSAH's tips for how to prepare outdoor pets:
- Make sure your pet shelter has a proper wall and roof with insulation, that blocks the wind
- Provide extra food, as animals burn calories trying to stay warm
- Place hot water bottles under the bowls to prevent freezing, or replace them often
Whether you have an indoor or outdoor pet, it's vital that they have up-to-date microchips.
Where do I call if I see an animal stranded in the cold?
Depending on where you are, you may want to call different organizations if you find an animal wandering around through freezing temperatures. No matter where you are though, experts recommend caution when approaching unfamiliar animals.
Bentonville:
- Bentonville Animal Services: (479 )254-2055
Rogers:
- Rogers Animal Services: (479) 621-1197
Springdale:
- Springdale Animal Services: (479) 750-8166
Fayetteville:
- Fayetteville Animal Services: (479) 444-3456 during business hours
- Fayetteville Police Department: (479) 587-3555 after business hours
Fort Smith:
- Fort Smith Animal Haven: (479) 551-2221
- Kitties and Kanines Pet Resource Center: (479) 434-4740
Van Buren:
- Van Buren Almost Home Shelter: 479) 414-3781
Alma:
- Alma Animal Clinic: (479) 430-7280
Siloam Springs:
- Siloam Springs Animal Shelter: (479) 524-6536
If you can't reach animal services, experts recommend isolating the stray animal in a warm, stable environment, away from others until a veterinarian can examine them.
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