Humane society reminds residents to take care of pets during cold weather

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Humane Society reminded residents today to ensure their pets' well-being during cold weather.

The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning in San Diego County from 10 tonight to 8 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures could drop to as low as 26 degrees in parts of the county, according to the NWS.

Because of the sub-freezing temperatures, SDHS officials recommend taking multiple steps to protect pets. Residents are advised to keep their pets inside throughout the freeze warning and give them plenty of food, allowing them to generate heat. Horses and other livestock require access to warm bedding, a windbreak, abundant feed and fresh water.

"Even if you're out walking your dogs, a lot of dogs like to benefit from having a sweater or a little coat on,'' said Andy Blue, director of the Humane Society's Escondido campus. "Especially small dogs that don't have a whole lot of fur, it's important that you've got jackets for them. ... Horses, goats, pigs, those animals also are not as tolerant as you would think to the cold weather.''

Residents are also advised to take caution when using antifreeze, which is poisonous to animals, and starting a car's engine. According to the SDHS, stray animals such as feral cats can crawl under a vehicle's hood in search of warmth. Motorists should bang on their hood to scare animals into coming out of their hiding place before driving off.