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ASPCA To Pet Owners: Beware Of Hidden Dangers After Irene

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The ASPCA is urging pet owners to be careful when taking your furry friends outside in the wake of Irene.

With heavily flooded streets across the Tri-State area, there could be many hidden dangers like downed power lines, broken glass or open manhole covers under the water.

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As a precaution, officials are warning people and pets not to walk through flood waters to avoid serious injury or even death.

The ASPCA also says you should check your yard for any hazards before letting your dog out and walk your dog on a leash outside your property to keep it from going anywhere it shouldn't until the waters recede.

Also, if you have an outdoor cat, the ASPCA says to keep it inside until your neighborhood is safe from any storm destruction Irene may have caused.

FEMA says you may also notice a change in your pet's behavior after the storm. Familiar scenes and scents may have changed causing your furry friend to be confused. The say to watch your pets closely.

Also, FEMA says beware of unwanted creatures that may have been brought into your neighborhood because of the storm like snakes or other creepy critters.

For more animal storm safety tips, click here.

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