We are in the thick of the winter season and even living in Northeast Florida can produce its share of extremely cold days.
Although the cold stretches do not last as long in Florida as other states across the country, the St. Augustine Humane Society still reminds all pet owners to be mindful for their furry friends.
Some tips the St. Augustine Humane Society says can help keep cats and dogs warm and prevent hyperthermia from setting in are to consider letting pets that usually stay outside inside one’s home for the night or make use of some old blankets that may be lying around the house for them to lay on and snuggle in.
However, the humane society points out to make sure that the blankets are dry because a damp blanket would not be as warm and could cause even more issues for the animal.
If entering the home is not an option, the next best thing is making sure the pets have options to enter garages or sheds around the property, where they will naturally look to enter to at least be directly out of the elements.
According to the organization, outdoor cats often choose to nap on or around vehicle engines and can climb up in wheel wells because of the warmth that they give off.
As a result, the St. Augustine Humane Society advises that a good habit during the winter is to honk the horn before starting up a vehicle, so that any cats have the chance to exit if they were hiding in any of those spots.
Antifreeze may be added to vehicles during the winter, and it is necessary to make sure to clean up any spills that take place on a driveway, because it is known to have a sweet smell, which the humane society says cats could be drawn to, and it is deadly for them if they were to drink it.
Finally, being aware of the change in a cat’s dietary needs during the winter is key to helping them combat the cold weather.
Because of the cold, outdoor animals require more calories to generate more energy to help cope with the cold in the winter.
Just as they would naturally grow more fur to have a “winter coat” for added protection, the extra food will provide them with that same added protection from a nutritional standpoint.
The St. Augustine Humane Society is asking for the entire community’s help in making sure local cats and dogs get the assistance they need to make it through the winter, and that includes not just those who have a home, but also the stray animals that are wondering the streets, who could use a little extra food or a blanket as well.
