Keep your pets warm and well this winter

King County Animal Care and Services recommends the following basic winter tips to maintain your pet's health through the increasingly cold winter months in the Pacific Northwest.

• Remember that even on cold, wet days, your dog needs exercise. Braving the elements for a brisk walk will make you both feel better.

• In wet weather, make sure short-coated dogs are kept dry and warm with a sweater or coat. After a romp outside, dry off long coated dogs thoroughly. Wet fur next to their skin can make them catch cold.

• After walks in snowy weather, check pet feet carefully: melted snow can clump painfully between the foot pads or turn into ice and cut the skin. Try rinsing them with plain warm water and drying them as soon as you get home.

• Shelter from the wind and moisture is very important. Wind chill affects pets just like people. Very young and older pets are most susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. When the temperature drops, make sure they’re in a warm space, out of the elements.

• Access to fresh, clean water is essential to a pet’s health. In cold weather, a pet’s water dish can frequently freeze over. Owners need to be watchful and consistently provide fresh water.

• ANTIFREEZE KILLS! Unfortunately, the active ingredient in anti-freeze is ethylene glycol, a deadly poison with a sweet smell and taste that may attract pets and children. If consumed, it causes rapid and permanent kidney damage. If consumed in even very small amounts of antifreeze, it can be fatal. Wipe up spills immediately, keep out of reach of children and pets, and reduce the risks of ingesting chemicals picked up outside by wiping or rinsing off pet feet after walks.

“Our pets are family members and these tips can help keep your pets healthy as the seasons change,” said Al Dams, Acting Manager of Animal Care and Control. “Each year, it is heartbreaking when we see animals sickened, injured or killed when basic winter pet precautions could have prevented the tragedies.”

For more information on pet health, volunteering or adoption please visit or call King County’s Kent Animal Shelter located at 21615 - 64th Avenue South. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. On Thursday, the hours are 12 Noon to 6 p.m. The number is (206) 296-7387.