Pet and Wildlife Tips
From Morgantown Animal Control
Winter Time
Winter can bring bitter cold and numbing wetness. Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by keeping the following in mind:
1. Do not leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
2. No matter what temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, it must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold the animals body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with water-proofed burlap or heavy plastic.
3. Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely, check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
4. Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
5. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates its mouth.
6. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
7. Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and excercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.
Summer Time
Here are some things to remember while you take your daily strolls.
1. Don't leave your pets outside when you are not home. Even though they are in their own yard they can still be tormented and abused by passers-by.
2. The City of Morgantown has a pooper-scooper law. This means if you don't clean up after your pet you could be fined.
3. There is also a leash law that requires you to keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not on your property.
4. Allowing your pet to trespass and soil or damage other people's property, whether on a leash or not, is also against City Code.
5. When the temperature gets above 80F it is best to leave your pets at home where it is cool. The inside of a vehicle can reach temperatures over 100F in just a few minutes, even with the windows open. You could be charged with animal cruelty for allowing your dog to be exposed to such heat.
6. Walking your dog on the sidewalks and asphalt on extremely hot days also poses a threat because dogs loose heat through their feet. Before you go feel the ground, if you can't touch it comfortably wait until a cooler part of the day.
7. Make sure your pet has an identification tag in case it gets lost. By law all dogs that reside in the City of Morgantown are required to have a City tax tag, a Mon. County tax tag and a rabies tag. Any of these tags will allow us to find the owner.
These rules may sound very restrictive but they were meant to protect your pet from danger and to protect the public from unruly pets.
Please be courteous and follow the rules and be safe and happy.
Wildlife Tips
The following guidelines are recommended to discourage wildlife:
1. Do not leave pet food out over night.
2. Screen-off any access to the interior of your buildings, such as chimneys and air vents.
3. Pour ammonia into garbage bags before closing, pour some in the can before locking on the lid, and pour some around the can.
Deterrents may also be purchased at your local hardware and /or garden center.
To prevent exposure to rabies, do not touch wild animals or any strange acting domestic animals and make sure all dogs and cats are vaccinated every two years for rabies.
Giving Pets as Gifts
Things you shoukld consider before buying a pet as a gift:
1. Is the person allowed to have pets? Get parents', landloards', etc. permission first.
2. Is the person able to care for the pet physically and financially? Are they too young or in bad health ?
Can they afford the vaccinations, license, food, and other accessories that go with pet ownership?
3. If the person does not have a pet already, purchase a care manual.
4. Remember the pet will also need food and receptacles for food and water. Some pets may also require cages, bedding, toys, leashes, and litter boxes.
5. Decide on a quiet place in the house you can put your pet during the holiday festivities, so they can have a break from all the excitement. Being in a new home is stressful enough.