Pet owners across Texas should prepare now to protect their animals from dangerously cold temperatures expected this weekend, with outdoor pets facing the greatest risk.
The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends bringing all outdoor pets inside before freezing weather arrives.
Animals left outside during arctic conditions can suffer hypothermia, frostbite, or death without proper shelter and care.
Even brief exposure to extreme cold poses serious health risks for pets unaccustomed to harsh winter weather.
For pets that must remain outdoors, the SPCA advises providing up to 50% more food than usual. Animals burn extra calories trying to maintain body temperature in freezing conditions.
Water bowls should be plastic rather than metal to prevent freezing and tongue injuries. Shelters need protection from wind, plus blankets, towels, or hay for insulation.
Car engines attract outdoor cats seeking warmth during cold snaps. Drivers should bang on their vehicle’s hood before starting to alert any hidden felines.
Leaving pets in parked cars during freezing weather creates refrigerator-like conditions. Temperatures inside vehicles can plummet rapidly, endangering animals.
Farm animals require special attention, too. Horses need access to barns or three-sided structures that protect them from wind and cold.
Horse blankets help maintain warmth and dryness. Water troughs and buckets require frequent checking to prevent freezing, while extra hay and grain replace unavailable grazing.
Pet owners should watch for hypothermia warning signs, including shallow breathing, lethargy, weakness, and shivering. Animals displaying these symptoms need immediate veterinary care.
The Houston SPCA urges residents to begin preparations immediately. Arctic air arrives this weekend, leaving little time to secure proper shelter and supplies for vulnerable animals.
