PLEASE ... Don't leave pets outdoors!

PLEASE ... Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. To keep warm when it's necessary to be outside, short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

Be sure to feed your pets adequately in the winter. Pets who spend significant time outdoors on walks need more to eat in the winter, since keeping warm depletes energy. Be sure their water is kept fresh.

Use plastic bowls instead of metal for food and water that is served outside. You don't want your pet's tongue getting stuck to his or her dish in icy temps!

Keep your pet's feet clean. Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate paw pads — and may even be harmful if ingested. Wipe feet with a damp towel before your dog or cat gets the chance to lick them!

Make your doghouse comfortable. If your dog does happen to live outside in a doghouse, be sure it's dry and draft-free, and has ample space for the pup to sit and lie down comfortably.*

The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered, and the house should be turned to face away from the wind.

Remember, do your best to keep outdoor cats and dogs inside, especially on those brutally cold days. After all, it is the holiday season, meant for spending time with those you love — both with two and four legs!

* We here at The Rescue Resource Collective believe our pets should be family members and live inside with the family.

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Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Jeannine, Gamine & Thalie on December 14, 2010 at 10:16pm

Thanks Lynne,

I like this part of the article. Finally, somebody take action for the pets left outside in the cold canadian winter.

«Be a Responsible Pet Owner or Don't Be a Pet Owner at All. If it is too COLD for You - It's too COLD for your Pet.

SPCA is asking dog owners not to leave their pets outside in frigid temperatures. "It's absolutely preposterous to leave a dog -- particularly a short-haired breed like a pit bull -- outside in this weather," SPCA official Eileen Drever said. Dogs & Cats left outside can succumb to frostbite and hypothermia, which can be fatal or debilitating.

"For the love of your pet, don't leave him outside in this weather," Drever said. She said leaving dogs outside without proper shelter is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in Canada.

Already since November 20, the SPCA has seized a number of dogs being kept outside without adequate shelter. The society opposes the notion of keeping dogs or cats exclusively out of doors, saying they can suffer physical and psychological harm. They may become aggitated from such horrid living conditions and it can possibly change their natural demeanor.

Don't hesitate to call Ontario SPCA if you witness pet neglect or endangerment this Winter.»

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AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on December 15, 2010 at 5:55am

It's cold all the way into the deep South right now. Judy said it's 28 degrees in FL. People there might not even think about it because it's not common. But animals left outside through this are not used to it and can suffer even more than our Northern pets who grow a thicker coat this time of year. Every one needs to be aware.

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Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Jeannine, Gamine & Thalie on December 15, 2010 at 10:02am

Agree with that 200%! Please Southern friends, do not forget to cover your pets before you let them go outside!

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Permalink Reply by Sue & the Crew on December 15, 2010 at 4:29pm

Good reminder Lynne. Dogs should not be left outside, alone, for long periods but rather kept primarily indoors and treated as part of the family. Imagine yourself being left outside today, in sub zero temperatures - that's bad enough. Now imagine yourself being constantly left outside, alone, with no one to talk to, nothing to do, nothing exciting to see. Dogs, like humans, need to interact, to be stimulated, to have a purpose, etc.

I was outside playing with the girls today, and after a while Sammie was visibly uncomfortable (snow balls in the paws). So we came inside and mommy helped melt and remove the snowballs.