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Puppy, Kitten Fall Victim To Snow Removal

BOSTON (CBS) -- A five-month-old puppy and four-month-old kitten are victims of the recent storms.

Dino, the puppy, was hit by a snow plow in Milton Thursday. Shivers, the kitten, was found in Mattapan last Wednesday with chemical burns on her feet.

Both animals are now being cared for by the MSPCA-Angell.

Dino was seriously injured in his hind quarters and required several surgeries. Surgeons needed to amputate his tail, and cleaned and closed the wounds on his hind legs.

"Dino remains upbeat and his team of veterinarians works with him every day to help through these critical days following surgery," said MSPCA Director of Animal Protection, Jean Weber.

Shivers the kitten
Shivers at MSPCA-Boston's Animal Care and Adoption Center (credit: Brian Adams, MSPCA-Angell)

Staff at MSPCA-Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center believe Shivers' chemical burns were caused by non-pet friendly chemicals to melt ice on walkways. She needs daily bandage changes and cleansings that remove dying tissue from the pads on her paws.

"Shivers is expected to heal over the next few weeks," Weber added," however her injuries were preventable. We urge the public to utilize any of the numerous pet friendly ice melts available on the market."

The MSPCA-Angell shared five pet care tips for winter storms. Here they are:

More than Walls: Outdoor shelters for pets should be dry, secure from wind and large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down. The shelter floor should also be elevated from ground level and have dry bedding. A steady water supply should be provided in plastic bowls and checked on so that it does not freeze. Members of the community with information regarding animal cruelty, including inadequate shelter, in Massachusetts are urged to contact the MSPCA's Law Enforcement department at (800) 628-5808. All calls are confidential.

Rap the Hood: Keep your pets warm and indoors. As always cats should stay inside. Since cats left outdoors may stay warm in car wheel wells or under hoods, you should awake any sleeping animals by rapping on your car hood before starting the engine.

Shorten Walks: Trips outside should remain short during the winter months. While dogs need outdoor exercise, lengthy walks can prove harmful especially when wind chill is a factor.

Dress for the Weather: Shorthaired dogs such as Greyhounds, Beagles, Chihuahuas, and clipped breeds should be dressed in protective clothing.

Growing Appetites: Pets that spend a greater amount of time outdoors also require more food.

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