Cold weather has arrived in Central Illinois and the Peoria County Animal Protection Services reminds pet owners that animals, particularly those outdoors, need special care during the winter months. 

• Outdoor dogs need proper shelter consisting of a structure with four sides, a roof, a floor, and a door covering.  The house should be small enough to retain the animal’s body heat and just large enough for it to get in and lie down comfortably. 
• Provide a windbreak, and use wood shavings or straw as bedding.  Don’t use blankets, rugs or towels because they retain moisture and will freeze causing more discomfort for the animal. 
• When the temperature dips below ten degrees, bring your pet inside.  Although dogs and cats might survive temperatures that low, they suffer from the bad weather.
• Pets need fresh water available at all times – snow doesn’t count!  And, be sure to feed more food because the extra calories help to keep them warm. 
• Be careful of the salt used to melt snow, it can irritate your pet’s feet. 
• Always be alert to spills of antifreeze – it tastes sweet and attracts animals, but is almost always deadly. 

If you see an animal outdoors suffering in the cold weather, please call PCAPS/PAWS immediately at 672-2440.  City, County, and State laws require owners provide proper care for their animals.  Pet owners will be ticketed or have their animals impounded if they fail to provide proper food, water, shelter, or medical care.  For more information, contact PCAPS/PAWS at 309-672-2440.

For more information, contact:
Lauren Malmberg
Peoria County Animal Protection Services, PAWS
2600 NE Perry Avenue
Peoria, IL  61603
(309) 672-2440
(309) 686-3705 (fax)