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Supervisor Kaiman and Councilman D'Urso Remind Residents to Protect their Pets This Winter

Immediate Release                      Contact: David Chauvin

January 27, 2004                            (516) 410-8832

Supervisor Kaiman and Councilman D'Urso Remind Residents to Protect their Pets This Winter

Manhasset, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilman Anthony D'Urso today warned that cold weather could be hazardous to your pet's health.

"Winter is a fun time of the year to enjoy the outdoors with your pet, but winter can also be a dangerous time," said Supervisor Kaiman. "There are some simple precautions everyone can take to ensure your pet remains safe and healthy during the winter months."

The Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter has outlined several easy steps residents can take to protect their pets during winter:

  • Always keep you dog on a leash. It is very easy for a dog to become confused and disoriented in a winter storm, and run off.
  • Whenever possible, try and keep cats indoors where they can be warm and safe.
  • Remember to wipe your pet's paws after taking them for a walk. This can remove dangerous chemicals that can be ingested as the pet cleans itself. In addition, you should be aware of salt and other chemicals used to melt ice in the house and immediately wipe up any spills that occur. Antifreeze, in particular, is extremely toxic to animals, even in small amounts.
  • Puppies and older dogs are very sensitive to colder temperatures. When walking them in very cold weather, they should be outside just long enough to relieve themselves. 
  • If you have a small dog, or a dog with short hair, you should consider purchasing a warm coat or sweater to help protect them from the cold. 
  • Never leave your pet alone car during cold weather. The temperature in a parked car can drop very quickly.
  • When indoors, make sure your pet has a nice warm place to sleep away form cold winter drafts. It is often a good idea to provide a sleeping area up off the floor.

"Winter can be a safe and fun time of the year for you and your pet," said Councilman D'Urso. "By following these tips you can help ensure that you and your pet can safely enjoy the winter months."

For additional information please contact the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter at (516) 767-4614 or visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website at www.aspca.org.

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