WINTER IS NO JOKE! It’s cold outside, don’t forget about your pets, it’s the law and they are depending on you!
With the snow flirting and threatening to stay we know it wont be long before its here for the season. We know the weather gets COLD! If the thermometer reads zero degrees F. and there is a 20-mile-an-hour wind blowing, the wind chill factor is -40 degrees. If you’re a dog, cat, rabbit or any domestic or agricultural animal left outdoors that could be dangerous.
Animals get cold in the winter just like we do, if it’s cold for you outside then its cold for your animals too.
you can’t bring your animals inside for the winter there are other things you If you must do:
All Animals Need a Proper Shelter
A house is very important. It should be insulated and big enough for the animal to stand up and turn around but small enough to retain the animals body heat. It should have a door or flap over the opening so that it keeps the weather out and the animal’s body heat in. The house should be elevated off of the ground and face away from the north. The floor inside should be lined with straw, hay, wood chips or blankets to help keep the animal warm. Check or replace the bedding on a regular basis to make sure it’s not wet or stiff with dirt. Dirty bedding WILL NOT PROTECT your animal. Remember if you have more than one animal you need to provide a house for each one.
Remember that your Agricultural animals need shelter too!
Here Are Some Added Suggestions For You And Your Pets
Wind blocks are nice and protect the animal while not it their houses. Brushing and grooming your animals will keep them warmer, their fur will not protect them if it is dirty or matted. Bring your animals inside in a kennel or a garage at night when the temperatures are at their worst. Watch out for frostbite, check ears tails and toes and talk to your vet. Purchase some added extras for your pets at your local animal supplies store. Insulated Dog houses, igloos, rabbit hutches/boxes, heated water dishes (for livestock, dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals) and heated pet mats for animals to lie on and keep their homes warm.
Make sure you are aware of the conditions outdoors and keep an eye on the weather and your pets!
REMEMBER SOME BREEDS OF DOGS, AND OTHER ANIMALS ARE NOT EQUIPED FOR OUTDOOR WEATHER NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO FOR THEM! Pets have been domesticated and do not have the wild instincts or survival skills to live outside in harsh conditions without your help. If you have any concerns talk to your vet or local humane association. Take care of your pets. It’s the law!
REPORT NEGLECT AND OTHER ANIMAL EMERGENCIES TO YOUR LOCAL HUMANE OFFICERS, POLICE OR SHERIFFS DEPARTMENTS. DON’T WAIT TILL ITS TOO LATE!