FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE		
CONTACT: Chuck McDevitt
610-692-6113, ext. 227
1.22.2007


PETS NEED SPECIAL CARE DURING COLD WINTER MONTHS

With freezing temperatures and the threat of snow and ice, the 
Chester County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 
(CCPSCA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep 
dogs and cats safe during the cold winter months.  “Like people, cats 
and dogs need protection from wet and cold,”says Officer Rebecca Robers, 
coordinator of the Animal Protective Services department at the CCSPCA 
in West Chester. “When the temperature falls below 20 degrees, it is best 
to keep all dogs indoors, even if they have doghouses,” Robers says. “
Short-haired dogs, small dogs and puppies should be kept indoors when 
temperatures are at 40 degrees or lower.”
Doghouses should be elevated a few inches off the ground and spread 
with clean, dry bedding. A flap over the opening will help keep out drafts, 
she adds.“Remember to check outdoor water bowls often when it is below 
freezing and break the ice or refill with water as necessary. A bowl of frozen 
water is useless to a thirsty pet,” Robers says. “Also, never leave your dog 
or cat alone in a car during the cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator 
in the winter, holding in the cold. Your pet could freeze to death.”Chemicals 
and salt used to melt snow and ice on driveways, roadways and sidewalks 
are another threat to your animals’ health and can irritate your pets’ paws.
 “Wipe your pets’ paws with a wet cloth after an outing. Also, remove ice 
from between your critters’ paw pads after they have been out in the snow. 
Snow and ice encrusted in the paw pads can cause cuts and sores,” Robers 
says.

Antifreeze, frequently used during the cold winter months, may be useful
for the operation of a car but it is poisonous to animals. To prevent accidental 
poisonings, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that 
contain propylene glycol rather than the traditional products containing ethylene 
glycol, Robers says.“The sweet smell of antifreeze attracts dogs and cats and 
tastes good to them. Antifreeze, however, is highly toxic and deadly,” she says. 
“Store antifreeze out of reach of pets and thoroughly wipe up any drippings. The 
most likely source of the poison is radiator drainage spots in the garage. These 
should be flushed with water immediately.”Cats are best kept indoors. In addition
to the dangers that dogs face during the winter months, car engines sometimes 
provide a warm and inviting sleeping place for cats left out in the cold,” Robers says.
“Cats may crawl up under cars seeking shelter and warmth near car engines. 
However, they may get caught in the fan and become seriously injured when the 
engine starts,” she says. “Open the hood of your car or slap it noisily with your 
hand before starting the engine on cold days to startle any animal sleeping there.”
The CCSPCA is a private nonprofit animal welfare organization that offers a variety 
of programs and services including pet adoption programs, emergency animal 
ambulance services, animal cruelty investigations, pet visitation programs, and 
animal lost-and-found services. Founded in 1929, the CCSPCA is totally 
independent of any other organization and does not receive county, state or 
federal funding. Instead, the CCSPCA is supported through voluntary contributions 
and fund-raising activities.