Keep Your Pets Safe During the Cold Weather and Meet Our Pets of the Week

By Karen Hirsch

It’s insanely cold outside for most Atlantans, and when we’re cold, so are our pets. Here are some precautions you can take to make sure your pets are safe during this winter weather.

Keep Your Pets Inside. Like people, cats and dogs are at risk for getting frostbite and hypothermia, so keep them inside, especially when the temperature is below freezing.

If you’re concerned about your pet having accidents or damaging the house while you’re at work, you have options. One option is to crate them and hire a pet sitter to take them outside. Other options include boarding them for the day at your veterinarian’s clinic or a doggie daycare, or to ask a neighbor to stop by and let your pets out for a potty break.

Limit Outdoor Time: While dogs with thick coats and long hair may be better able to withstand the cold, they are still at risk in cold weather, so shorten their outside playtime and walks. Pets with short legs get cold quickly, because their bodies are closer to the cold ground, and short-haired pet have less protection, so consider putting a dog sweater or jacket on them as well.

Also, very young or very old pets should only be taken outside on potty breaks, since both are more prone to health problems from extreme temperatures.

Honk Your Horn: During the winter, many cats enjoy the heat that car engines provide – with deadly consequences. So bang on your hood and honk your horn before starting your care to ensure there is no one under your hood.

Leave Your Pet at Home: Just like hot cars, cold cars can pose a health risk to your pet. When it’s freezing outside, your car gets very cold quickly and can be dangerous to any pet left inside.

DeKalb County Animal Services Pets of the Week: Timmon and Cleopatra

This week we’re featuring two young and wonderful pets. Timmon is a playful and sweet one-year-old Pointer mix who is a great listener and learns fast! He loves to play with toys and loves people. Timmon gets along well with other dogs and would be a great addition to any family. And as part of our “Ring in the New Year with a New Pet” promotion, you can adopt any pet during January, including Timmon for FREE! His neuter, vaccines and microchip are also FREE! All potential adopters will be screened to ensure Timmon is going to a good home.

Another great dog you can adopt for FREE is Cleopatra. Every inch of this girl’s body is full of happiness and joy! This adorably cute one-year-old girl loves to play and bounces around happily chasing her toys. Cleopatra gets along great with other dogs and would add some joy to any family. Please come meet her and adopt her for FREE under our “Ring in the New Year with a New Pet” promotion. Her free adoption includes her spay, microchip, vaccinations, and more! All potential adopters will be screened to ensure Cleopatra is going to a good home.

To meet Timmon or Cleopatra, by drop by the shelter, emailadoption@dekalbanimalservices.com, or call (404) 294-2165. To view other great animals available for adoption, visit www.dekalbanimalservices.com.