This weather has taken a toll on New Englanders as well as their furry friends.
The winter of 2011 has brought a series of snowfall throughout Connecticut, including the huge storm on February 1st. The storm “has given central and Southern New England about one to two feet of snow,” weather.com reported.
These storms have stacked snow upon ice upon snow. The new weather conditions make caretakers have difficulty with their pets. Animals have a tough time dealing with the compacted powdered snow and man’s best friend has great difficulties during this winter season.
Nicole Smith, sophomore at Woodland, owns a chocolate lab named Wiley. There are many problems this winter that Wiley has never had to face before. “He sinks into the snow a lot and gets stuck,” said Smith.
An everyday activity Wiley would enjoy is playing in his freshly cut green lawn. This winter, he can’t even find a thin layer of snow to stand and play on. “Instead he roams in the street,” stated Smith.
Marc Smith instead takes Wiley twice a day on walks to make sure the dog gets his daily exercise. He deals with the brittle cold wind and temperature of the winter.
The snow banks are also dangerous for the duo if a car passes. Smith will take Wiley out for walks towards the evening. Smith said, “We have a flashlight built into the leash so it comes in handy.”
Dogs like Wiley, in neighboring towns and cities may deal with his same type of difficulties. There are many tips on The Human Society of the United States website. Some include switching to plastic food and water bowls because pet’s tongues might stick to the metal bowls if cold enough.
One tip that Wiley’s caretakers follow is cleaning his paws after coming back from a long walk. On the paws could be salt or chemicals that are used to make the snow melt faster. According to the www.humanesociety.org, “This can irritate animals paws and be harmful if ingested.” It can be simply prevented by washing the animal’s paws, when entering the house.
This weather has been different from years past. Animals as well as New Englanders are having difficulty. With the tips from the Humane Society, they can help your pets have a safe winter.
Photo Credit: dogs.ca
