Animals need proper food, shelter from cold

With temperatures along the Wasatch Front expected to hit single digits over night before Christmas, the Humane Society of Utah reminds the community that this means inconvenience, discomfort and danger for everyone — especially animals.

• Animals that spend much time outdoors, including livestock, need proper shelter. Cats and dogs must have snug, well-insulated houses. Pets that are very young, very old, ill, or short-haired breeds, should not be kept outdoors at all.

• Animals need extra calories during the winter because they consume more energy just maintaining normal body temperature. Water bowls must be emptied and refilled frequently to keep ice from forming.

• Injuries resulting from the cold, such as frostbite, ice cuts or hypothermia (severe chilling) should be treated immediately.

• Antifreeze is extremely attractive to pets and also extremely toxic. All spills should be immediately and thoroughly wiped up.

For information on cold-weather pet care, call the Humane Society at 261-2919.