AT THE LEAST, GIVE AN OUTDOOR DOG A FENCED-IN AREA TO MOVE FREELY AROUND, OR GIVE THEM A "ZIP-LINE" TO RUN.
SHORT-CHAINING IS OUTLAWED ALMOST EVERYWHERE NOW.
It can be a crime to leave pets outside in extreme temperatures, with or without food and shelter.
Especially in these cold months, it is important for people to bring their pets inside and for others to report neglected animals to law enforcement.
Maybe a cute, cuddly fuzzy puppy grew up to be a large 70-100-pound adult.
NOT THE DOG's FAULT!
IF you don't want to care for a "pet" as he/she SHOULD be cared for, if it becomes an inconvenience, or if you decide the vet bills and feed and care are just too much, RE-HOME that pet to someone who CAN and WILL provide for the dog as a VALUED family member.
SCREEN PROSPECTIVE NEW OWNERS CAREFULLY AND NEVER ADVERTISE A PET AS "FREE TO GOOD HOME".
THIS ATTRACTS UNSCRUPULOUS PEOPLE WHO USE EVEN KITTENS AS BAIT ANIMALS IN DOG-FIGHTING.
Dogs are PACK ANIMALS and are MISERABLE ALONE.
They constantly crave your presence.
THINK LONG AND HONESTLY BEFORE GETTING A "PET" SO THAT THEY NEVER BECOME A PRISONER.
Bring All Dogs Inside When It's Extremely Cold
No matter what the breed or age, all dogs should be kept inside when it's extremely cold, even if they have a well-insulated outside kennel. And if it's cold for long periods of time, move an outdoor dog inside until temperatures warm up.
A dog who gets too cold could develop hypothermia; a condition that occurs when the dog’s body temperature falls below normal. If the dog’s temperature continues to fall, the muscles stiffen, the breathing and heart rates slow, and he could potentially die.
Frostbite is less common, but can still happen. The dog’s ears, nose, tail, and paws are the most susceptible to [severe] frostbite damage.
There is no hard and fast number as to what constitutes weather that is too cold. A harsh winter wind can create more wind chill (the air will feel colder than the thermometer registers) and this will affect your dog as much as it does you.
A dog who gets too cold could develop hypothermia; a condition that occurs when the dog’s body temperature falls below normal. If the dog’s temperature continues to fall, the muscles stiffen, the breathing and heart rates slow, and he could potentially die.
Frostbite is less common, but can still happen. The dog’s ears, nose, tail, and paws are the most susceptible to [severe] frostbite damage.
There is no hard and fast number as to what constitutes weather that is too cold. A harsh winter wind can create more wind chill (the air will feel colder than the thermometer registers) and this will affect your dog as much as it does you.
A cold, drenching rain just above freezing, sleet and ice, or a wet, heavy snow can all create dangerous conditions for outside pets.
If you’re not comfortable and have to bundle up, your dog could potentially be in danger.
The breeds of dogs bred to live in colder climates – Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and other northern breeds – are generally going to have fewer problems with cold weather IF they normally live in it.
The breeds of dogs bred to live in colder climates – Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and other northern breeds – are generally going to have fewer problems with cold weather IF they normally live in it.
Dogs not used to frigid winter weather may suffer in it even if they have a heavy coat.
An Alaskan Malamute from Florida, for example, may be uncomfortable in cold weather because he’s not used to it.
As a general rule, dogs with a short coat (and no undercoat) will not cope well with frigid temperatures.
As a general rule, dogs with a short coat (and no undercoat) will not cope well with frigid temperatures.
Short-legged or toy breeds dogs who have to wade or jump through deep snow will get chilled and tired quickly.
Puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with health conditions will also feel the cold quickly.
To make matters more confusing, some dogs simply feel the cold more than others. A friend’s Jack Russell Terrier starts to shiver when the temperature goes below 50 degrees F. That’s not cold – it’s just cool – but he’s uncomfortably cold.
To make matters more confusing, some dogs simply feel the cold more than others. A friend’s Jack Russell Terrier starts to shiver when the temperature goes below 50 degrees F. That’s not cold – it’s just cool – but he’s uncomfortably cold.
It’s important to know your own dog’s ability to tolerate cold.
Healthy dogs are more able to tolerate cold temperatures than those dealing with health issues. If your dog hasn’t had a check-up recently, or if he’s not doing as well this winter as he has in years past, take him in to visit his veterinarian. Heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can all interfere with the dog’s ability to maintain his body temperature.
OLDER DOGS AND YOUNG PUPPIES ALSO NEED TO BE KEPT WARMER.
Provide a well-insulated shelter with bedding that you know your dog will make use of.
Healthy dogs are more able to tolerate cold temperatures than those dealing with health issues. If your dog hasn’t had a check-up recently, or if he’s not doing as well this winter as he has in years past, take him in to visit his veterinarian. Heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can all interfere with the dog’s ability to maintain his body temperature.
OLDER DOGS AND YOUNG PUPPIES ALSO NEED TO BE KEPT WARMER.
Provide a well-insulated shelter with bedding that you know your dog will make use of.
Don’t just assume he will; many dogs will not.
Dogs who spend any time at all outside also need water that won’t freeze.
Dogs who spend any time at all outside also need water that won’t freeze.
There are excellent water bowl heaters available; check an online dog supply catalog.
Use non-metal food and water bowls when the temperature is low; your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
Use non-metal food and water bowls when the temperature is low; your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
A high fat food will also help him deal with low temperatures because fat is an easily metabolized source of energy.
If you and your dog go for walks in cold winter weather, think about teaching him to wear boots and a jacket.
If you and your dog go for walks in cold winter weather, think about teaching him to wear boots and a jacket.
If you walk near roads that are treated with de-icers, clean his paws with a warm washcloth when you get home. Salt and chemical de-icers can cause serious health problems if he licks his paws clean.
AUTOMOBILE ANTIFREEZE IS FATAL TO DOGS AND CATS.
NEVER KEEP AN ANIMAL IN A GARAGE WHERE ANTIFREEZE IS STORED WHERE THEY CAN REACH IT OR WHERE THERE MAY BE A LEAK FROM A VEHICLE.
THE SWEET SMELL AND FLAVOR DRAWS THEM TO IT.
Signs of a Problem, But Don't Count on Your Dog Showing Any of These
--Whining or barking: Some dogs are more verbal than others, but if your dog suddenly begins ‘talking’ to you while making eye contact, he’s trying to tell you he’s had enough.
--Stops moving: If your dog stops walking or playing, or is holding up a paw, he may have balls of snow or ice between the pads of his feet. He may also be too cold and needs to go inside (but walking on frigid paws hurts).
AUTOMOBILE ANTIFREEZE IS FATAL TO DOGS AND CATS.
NEVER KEEP AN ANIMAL IN A GARAGE WHERE ANTIFREEZE IS STORED WHERE THEY CAN REACH IT OR WHERE THERE MAY BE A LEAK FROM A VEHICLE.
THE SWEET SMELL AND FLAVOR DRAWS THEM TO IT.
Signs of a Problem, But Don't Count on Your Dog Showing Any of These
--Whining or barking: Some dogs are more verbal than others, but if your dog suddenly begins ‘talking’ to you while making eye contact, he’s trying to tell you he’s had enough.
--Stops moving: If your dog stops walking or playing, or is holding up a paw, he may have balls of snow or ice between the pads of his feet. He may also be too cold and needs to go inside (but walking on frigid paws hurts).
--Anxiety: Many dogs, when they get too cold, will begin acting anxious or even fearful. He may try to climb up your leg to be held or may turn around and head home. The anxiety may turn into whining or barking.
--Looking for Safety: Some dogs will begin looking for a place to hide – under a bush, under a car, or anything else that might provide shelter.
Watch your dog, know what is normal and what isn’t.
Watch your dog, know what is normal and what isn’t.
--Shivering: This is an obvious sign that he’s cold.
Be aware that cedar chips can cause eye, lung and skin irritations in susceptible dogs and cats due to OILS in cedar.
Some wood barks are also known to harbor the deadly parvovirus.
WHEAT STRAW, NOT NORMAL "HAY", IS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE.
Spread the straw under elevated dog houses, then on the floor inside in layers so pets can form a 'nest' to block off some of the frigid drafts.
Change the straw frequently.
Susceptible pets can still breathe in smaller particles of hay seeds, husks, etc, so watch for signs of aspiration or allergy, or eye damage.
IN SHORT, TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE VALUED FAMILY MEMBERS, WHICH IS WHAT OUR PETS SHOULD BE,
IF YOU DON'T FEEL THAT WAY ABOUT A PET, CONSIDER RE-HOMING.
Be aware that cedar chips can cause eye, lung and skin irritations in susceptible dogs and cats due to OILS in cedar.
Some wood barks are also known to harbor the deadly parvovirus.
WHEAT STRAW, NOT NORMAL "HAY", IS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE.
Spread the straw under elevated dog houses, then on the floor inside in layers so pets can form a 'nest' to block off some of the frigid drafts.
Change the straw frequently.
Susceptible pets can still breathe in smaller particles of hay seeds, husks, etc, so watch for signs of aspiration or allergy, or eye damage.
IN SHORT, TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE VALUED FAMILY MEMBERS, WHICH IS WHAT OUR PETS SHOULD BE,
IF YOU DON'T FEEL THAT WAY ABOUT A PET, CONSIDER RE-HOMING.
//WW
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