Tips to keep your pets warm and safe ahead of Central Texas freeze warning

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With freezing temperatures expected Tuesday night, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) and the Hays County Pet Resource Center offered advice to ensure your pets stay safe and cozy in the cold.

Tips for Keeping Pets Comfortable:

• Bring Pets Indoors: If your dog usually stays outside, bring them inside to protect them from the drastic drop in temperatures. Cold weather can be tough on both pets and people.
• Provide Shelter for Community Cats: Create makeshift enclosures for stray cats using cardboard boxes or plastic bins to shield them from the cold.
• Dress Your Dog for the Weather: A jacket or sweater can help keep your dog warm during outdoor walks or playtime.
• Check Under Car Hoods: Cats may hide near car engines for warmth. Before starting your car, tap on the hood to ensure no cats are sheltering there.
• Avoid Leaving Pets in Cars: Cold temperatures can be just as dangerous as heat for pets left in vehicles. Always leave your pets at home where they’ll be warm and safe.
• Add Extra Blankets: Provide extra bedding like blankets or pillows to keep your pets warm. Raising their bed off the floor can offer even more protection from the cold.
• Limit Outdoor Time: Keep outdoor activities brief, and watch for signs of discomfort like shivering or attempts to find warmth.
• Clean Paws After Outdoor Walks: Drying your pet’s paws helps them retain warmth and prevents irritation caused by cold or ice.
• Avoid harmful chemicals: De-icing agents can irritate your pet’s paws. Rinse their feet immediately if they come into contact with these substances.

Signs of cold-related injuries

• Frostbite: Check paws and ears for pale, white, or gray discoloration. Pets with short fur or smaller builds are especially vulnerable.
• Hypothermia: If you’re cold, your pet likely is too. Monitor them closely for symptoms.

Shelters are cold and stressful environments during winter. Offering a warm, loving home can make a huge difference for a pet in need, APA! and Hays County said.

Taking these steps ensures your furry friends remain safe, healthy, and warm during Austin's freeze. Visit Austin Pets Alive! between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily to meet adoptable pets or email matchmaker@austinpetsalive.org for assistance.