Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Frigid Temps: Salt & Deicers Cause Concern

During the severe cold snap and wet weather many people are experiencing in North Carolina and across the country, it is important to remember that our pets are just as sensitive to the cold as we are.  

Wind chill, hypothermia, and frostbite impacts pets as quickly as it does people. The exposed skin on their nose, ears and paw heads can quickly freeze and cause permanent damage to your pet.

KC Theisen, director of pet care issues for the Humane Society of the United States based in Washington D.C., says the best way to protect cats and dogs from freezing temperatures is to keep them inside or provide shelter.

Theisen also reminds people to leave fresh water for outdoor pets, since most natural water sources are frozen this time of year.

But one of the biggest safety concerns for pets during the winter months is road salt and the deicers that people use on sidewalks and driveways. Theisen says these products contain chemicals that may be harmful to your pet.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, which may crawl up under the hood. The Humane Society says to avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before you start your engine.