BEAVER, Pa. — The Beaver County Humane Society is urging pet owners to protect their animals from the cold after a severely frostbitten stray dog was found.
A 13-year-old skinny stray dog was found was found huddled and shivering in the cold with swollen and bleeding paws on a porch in Beaver County on Dec. 23.
The dog was brought to an emergency veterinarian, who determined that he had been in the cold for so long that he developed severe frostbite on all four paws, the humane society said.
The dog, named Max, was taken to the Beaver County Humane Society for treatment. The medical team there was worried he wouldn’t make it, but he survived after having three surgeries in three weeks, including three toe amputations.
“We cannot emphasize this enough—most animals are vulnerable to extreme cold, just like humans,” said Alison Yazer, executive director at BCHS. “If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet. Please bring them indoors and provide a warm, safe space for them.”
There are several steps pet families can take to protect their pets from cold temperatures and snowy weather:
- Bring Pets Indoors: Ensure all pets have access to a warm, sheltered area inside your home. Even pets that typically stay outdoors need extra protection during winter.
- Limit Time Outside: Keep outdoor time short and always supervise your pets. Use pet-safe booties or paw balm to protect their paws from ice and salt.
- Provide Adequate Shelter: For pets that must stay outside, ensure they have an insulated, windproof shelter with straw bedding and access to fresh, unfrozen water.
- Check on Strays: If you see an animal left outside or in distress, contact your local animal control or shelter immediately.
BCHS will continue to support Max through his recovery and shower him with all the love and attention he deserves, the humane society said.
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