As winter sets in across New England, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) urges pet owners to take essential cold-weather precautions. Frigid temperatures can pose serious risks to the health, safety, and well-being of the pets we love.

Here are some things to keep in mind this season

      1. Prepare your dog for the elements. If you have a longer coat dog, let it grow out for the winter; it will provide warmth and protection from the cold. For shorter coat dogs, sweaters, coats and booties can go a long way to protect your pooch.
      2. Wipe off your dog’s paws and stomach. Sidewalks are treated with a number of chemicals. These chemicals can irritate your dog’s paws, and can be poisonous if ingested. When coming in from the cold, clean and dry your dog’s stomach to keep them healthy and warm!
      3. Keep outdoor trips quick. Bathroom breaks or walks, keep it short and sweet and keep your pets indoors as much as possible.
      4. Never leave your dog alone in a cold car. Many Massachusetts residents are aware that it’s illegal to keep an animal in a hot car, under the same law it’s ALSO illegal to keep your animal in a cold car (Ma. Ch. 140, Section 174F.  (a) A person shall not confine an animal in a motor vehicle in a manner that could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal due to exposure to extreme heat or cold). When going out, leave your animals at home.
      5. Pay attention to your pet’s grooming and health. An animal with a matted coat cannot keep him or herself warm! Long-haired pets especially during heavy periods of shedding, need extra help maintaining a healthy coat. Senior pets also suffer from increased arthritis pain in the cold, so check with your veterinarian on how to keep your pet comfortable.
      6. Keeping Warm During Power Outage. Provide your pets with extra bedding or blankets should the lights go out. For small animals, you can wrap a blanket around the bottom of their enclosure to add warmth but still provide ventilation.

    Additionally, it’s important to keep pets calm. The wind, cold temperatures and potential power outages can cause anxiety not only for us, but for our pets as well. Have plenty of treats and toys on hand to keep them occupied and calm.

    For more winter weather pet safety tips, please visit www.arlboston.org/winter-pet-health