Cold Weather Safety
Keep pets safe when the temperature drops.
- If a pet can’t be inside, provide a warm, solid shelter to protect from extreme temperatures.
- Cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia when outdoors for extended periods in below-freezing conditions. Adjust time outdoors according to your pet’s tolerance to the cold.
- Cold weather can worsen certain medical conditions; stay current on wellness veterinary exams.
- Dogs expend more energy while playing in the cold; speak to your veterinarian about adding more food to your pet’s diet.
- If pets are kept outdoors, replace metal food and water bowls with plastic bowls.
- Check your pet’s paws for cracked or bleeding paw pads.
- Keep your pet’s toes clipped to reduce ice ball accumulation.
- Avoid exposure to antifreeze and deicers as these are toxic to animals. Wash and dry your dog’s feet, legs, and belly after walks to reduce the risk of poisoning due to exposure and then the pet licking itself.
- A warm vehicle can be an appealing heat source for cats and small animals. Honk the horn or tap on the hood before starting your vehicle.
- Just like hot vehicles in hot weather, cold cars also pose a risk to animals’ health. Pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
Hot Weather Safety
Some like it hot, pets do not! Keep your pets safe with these tips:
- Provide shelter from constant direct sunlight.
- Provide plenty of cool water.
- Protect their paws from hot surfaces.
- Know the signs of heatstroke:
- Fever
- Panting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting
A 70-degree day can quickly become dangerous for a pet left unattended in a vehicle. The temperature in a car can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, even with the windows partially open.
It can take up to 24 hours before signs of heat stress begin showing in animals. Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately if they are exhibiting any of these signs:
- Deep red or purple tongue
- Glazed eyes
- Heavy panting
- Rapid pulse
- Red or purple dots on belly, ears, or loin area
- Staggering gait
- Unsteadiness
- Vomiting
Never leave a pet in a car
If you see an animal in a car exhibiting signs of heat or cold stress, call Gwinnett Animal Welfare & Enforcement at 770.339.3200 or the local police department and take the following steps:
- Get the vehicle’s make, model, color, and tag number.
- Alert the management of a nearby business, who could make an emergency announcement.
- Return to your vehicle or the business and wait for police near the vehicle.
- Once police or animal control officer arrive, inform them of your findings.
Possible consequences for leaving a pet unattended in a hot vehicle.
Inadequate ventilation for your pet is considered animal cruelty, according to Gwinnett County’s Ordinance Sec. 10-173. Causing unnecessary suffering is a secondary charge; leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle is a third charge. A law enforcement officer may use any force necessary to remove any animal locked in a closed vehicle when the temperature outside the vehicle is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If there is damage to the vehicle during such removal, the law enforcement officer shall not be liable for any damage per Gwinnett County’s Ordinance Sec. 10-175.
