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Community Corner

Brrrrr!

How to keep our pets warm during the winter months.

Now that it’s winter and temperatures have dipped below freezing at night, how do we make sure our pets are warm enough?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends that cats sleep indoors when the mercury drops. Outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars and when the car is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt.

And just as you never leave an animal unattended in a car during a hot day, the ASPCA cautions against leaving your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

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Should you put a coat on your dog when you go out for early morning or evening walks? According to the American Animal Hospital Association, some breeds, like Chihuahuas, come from warmer climates and don't have the thick fur needed to stay warm in cold weather. These dogs, and other shorthaired breeds, may need help to keep their core temperature in the healthy range.

Breeds originating from cold climates, such as huskies, malamutes and Samoyeds, thrive in chilly weather and don't require any type of clothing because of their thick, double hair or heavy coats.

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Dogs lose most of their body heat from the pads of their feet, their ears and their respiratory tracts. The best way to safeguard your dog is to watch for signs of discomfort. If your dog shivers, whimpers, acts anxious, stops or slows down during a walk, you might want to try outfitting your pup with a coat or sweater. Make sure the garment covers your dog's belly and reaches from the collar to the base of the tail.

Pet of the Week
Meet Joy, a lovable Cairn Terrier and Chihuahua mix. The staff at the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) think she’s about nine months old. She was left abandoned in the cold night air on the steps of SVACA. She has a happy disposition and is looking for a warm lap and a family to give her a forever home. For more information about Joy and other dogs available for adoption, visit the SVACA website.

And now through the end of the month, six shelters (including SVACA) are working together to find homes for 1,000 dogs, cats and rabbits. These shelters are offering a special $10 adoption fee, with some exceptions for animals less than six months of age. Participating shelters and rescue groups are the Humane Society Silicon Valley, City of Palo Alto Animal Services, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, Santa Clara County Animal Control Shelter, City of San Jose Animal Control and Services and Town Cats.

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