Pet owners are reminded to keep their furry friends out of the cold for long periods of time.
The Beaver County Humane Society says a dog named Max has “suffered greatly” from long exposure to the cold in December and developed frostbite on all four of his paws.
The 13-year-old stray was found “huddled and shivering in the cold with swollen and bleeding paw on a porch in Beaver County” on December 23.
Luckily someone found him and took Max to an emergency veterinarian. After treatment, he was taken to the BCHS for more care.
Max has survived three surgeries over three weeks and three toe amputations.
He continues to improve but more surgeries and “a long, complicated recovery” is ahead but he is able to waked on his bandaged paws.
While Max was likely abandoned, it’s important to keep an eye on our pet and limit their outdoor exposure in the cold.
The BCHS provides the following tips:
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.
“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.”
A PA resident convicted of animal cruelty can face up to seven years behind bars and up to $15,000 in fines.
You can help support the Beaver County Humane Society here.