Be aware our pets need protection from winter weather
With temperatures below zero and the windchill factor at 20-below, the parade of dog walkers outside our living room window is nonexistent.
It's official. We are in the midst of winter weather in Illinois. And it's cold outside. Our companion animals need extra precautions to stay safe and warm during the cold weather.
The HSUS, ASPCA and AVMA offer cold weather safety guidelines to help us protect our animals during these freezing days of winter. The happiest dogs are those who go outside frequently, but briefly, and stay inside the rest of the time.
Don't leave your dogs and cats outside. Wind chill can threaten the lives of our companion animals, no matter what the temperature. It's a mistaken belief dogs and cats are more resistant to cold weather than people because of their fur. Like people, dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept indoors.
Longerhaired and thick-coated breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of the cold weather, but no pet should be left outside for long-periods of time in below- freezing weather.
Leave your pets at home. Don't leave them unattended in the car in the cold weather, as your car acts as a refrigerator, rapidly chilling your pet and causing them to freeze to death.
More dogs are lost during the winter than in any other season, so make sure your dog always wears ID tags and/or is microchipped. Never let your dog off leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, since dogs can lose their scent and easily get lost.
When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. The ice may not support your dog's weight, and if your dog breaks through the ice it could be deadly.
Watch for signs of hypothermia while you are outside with your pet. If he is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get him back inside because he is showing signs of hypothermia.
Frostbite is harder to detect and may not be recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your animal has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Thoroughly wipe off or wash your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the snow, sleet, or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals that could be toxic while he licks his paws.
His paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. Use salt or de-icers labeled as pet-safe or pet-friendly on your property to protect your pets.
As we protect our companion animals, we also need to be aware of other pets left out in the cold weather.
"One of the most common forms of animal cruelty, cases of animals left outside in dangerous weather, are investigated more by police and animal control agencies than any other form of animal abuse," states the HSUS.
Without proper shelter, food and water, the chances of dogs and cats surviving in frigid temperatures is greatly decreased. It's a misconception that the fur on their backs will insulate them from suffering.
Our dogs and cats feel the effects of winter just as we do. Pets left outside in extreme temperatures, especially without shelter and food, are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and even death.
The HSUS suggest the following actions to take to help a pet left outside in extreme temperatures.
Report what you see: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal involved. Write down as many details as possible about the situation. Video and photographic documentation, including cellphone photos of the animal, the location, the surrounding area etc., will help bolster your case. Contact your local animal control or local law enforcement agency and present your complaint, concerns and evidence.
Neglect is a crime.
"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," says Ashley Mauceri, HSUS manager for cruelty response.
Buddy celebration:
In February, 2015, The Buddy Foundation will be 20 years old. Join us Thursday, Feb. 26, at DRINK, formerly Alumni Club, 671, E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, for Buddy's 20th Birthday Party.
The evening promises a raffle and auction, along with music and entertainment. Call The Buddy Foundation Shelter at (847) 290-5806 for more information.
Remember, these events are the only ways of raising money for the shelter. We receive no state nor local subsidies of any kind. All donations go directly to assist the animals at The Buddy Foundation. There are no salaries, no paid staff. For details, visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.