Lately, stories have been popping up in the news about animal neglect related to cold weather. In much of the country, where the temperatures have been dangerously low, companion animals have been suffering.
American Humane Association’s Dori Villalon, Vice President of Animal Protection, remembers a sad example from her days as Director of a Midwest animal shelter: “We rescued an older beagle who was partially frozen to the ground. His owners had tethered him, without access to shelter, during a snowstorm. Thankfully, our officers arrived in time to save his life. We also heard reports of dogs freezing to the outside of houses. In an effort to get protection, they lean up against the building, the snow on their coat melts, then freezes again, leaving them stuck and exposed.”
While those examples may sound extreme, they are not uncommon. And every animal should be provided with protection from the elements. Of course, we believe that keeping your pets inside the house is the best option, but if you must leave an animal outdoors in cold weather, follow these tips:
- Snow is not an adequate source of water and water left in regular bowls will freeze — heated water dishes are essential.
- Provide your pet more, high-quality food — animals will burn more calories when left outside.
- Take extra care of elderly and very young pets — they are most susceptible to suffering in cold weather.
- Elevate doghouses off the ground so cold and moisture don’t rise through the floor. Face the doghouse away from the wind and provide a door flap to keep wind and snow out. Pile up straw around the outside of the house to insulate it.
- Your indoor dog will appreciate the extra warmth of a doggie coat, but if your dog stays outside, don’t use a coat — the fabric will freeze when wet.
- When walking your dog, consider dog booties to protect foot pads from chemicals, salt and sand. Also, wear gloves that will not impede your ability to properly hold the leash and clear the leash clasp of ice build-up.
- Antifreeze is highly toxic to pets, but its sweet flavor is enticing. Keep containers sealed and out of reach and check for puddles. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, seek immediate emergency veterinary treatment.
- Don’t leave your pet in a parked car — the car will act as a refrigerator and could result in death.
- Cats and other animals are often lured to warm parked-car engines. Bang on your hood before starting up the engine.
- Don’t let your dog chew on firewood and keep him away from indoor or outdoor fires, matches and accelerants.
- After being outside, check your pet for signs of hypothermia: shivering, muscle stiffness, low body movement, a weak pulse rate, lethargy, shallow breathing and disorientation. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia, seek immediate veterinary treatment. Don’t submerge your pet in warm water or place anything hot on his skin. Warm water bottles wrapped in towels, as well as blankets and towels fresh from the dryer, are best.
- In addition to protecting your own pets, keep an eye out for other animals exposed to the weather and contact your local animal control or humane society to report concerns.
- See more winter care tips on our website.
Also, see some tips for avoiding common holiday hazards for pets.
Have more tips? Share them here!
One comment
Good reminders, and I shared this article with friends.
However, this line makes me cry: “keep an eye out for other animals exposed to the weather and contact your local animal control or humane society to report concerns.”
Why? Because I see neglect and cruelty every single day in my region yet cannot do anything to help because shelters are overflowing, and we have zero county funded animal control services. I called the sheriff’s office yesterday (our “animal control — ie, they may at their discretion have aggressive animals put down) to report several dogs, including a nursing mother and her puppies, tied outside with no access to water. They can’t do anything. Asked me to call the local Humane Society. The HS has nearly no funds, nothing government mandated, and no rights to go onto people’s properties to investigate or help animals. The sheriff’s department had already refused to go with me or for me to supply the dogs with water. What does one do? We need laws here, and funding, and are lacking both. But I’m so glad the HS is available in other areas to help! Someday I hope our local creatures have more help, too.
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