PETA Cold Weather Warning
Feb 21st, 2008 by Teri
Again the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals PETA has issued a warning today about the number of complaints it receives from pet owners. The number of calls regarding their neighbors or people they know that leave their dogs outside in the cold over night.
I can’t imagine anyone expecting an dog or cat to survive in sub zero temperatures all night long when we have been experiencing this year on record a very cold winter.
Dogs even though they have fur, can still suffer from frostbite, exposure, and dehydration when their water freezes in a container.
It is utterly inhumane for people to do this and if you do not do something these pets will ultimately be found dead.
Keep animals inside particularly puppies, dogs with short hair, including breeds such as beagles, pit bulls, pointers, Dobermans, Rottweilers and any short hair breed.
Do not allow your can to be outdoors to roam around freely as they can become disoriented and can become lost in the snow.
During the winter months your dog will need more food, after burning up more calories to keep warm, and put a sweater or coat on when going outdoors. Invest in a water proof coat with a good thick liner for rainy days and cold winters.
After a long period of time in the snow a dog’s paws become impacted with snow and ice which becomes painful. Remove the snow and wash paws with a wet warm cloth to remove the salt and chemicals they obtain from the road.
If you do see a pet who has been left outside without proper shelter and is being abused, please report it to the local Humane Society, SPCA the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or PETA.
If the dog is in an emergency situation call the authorities right away you could be saving the animal from a certain death.
No dog or cat should be left outside in these temperatures, and I know its difficult and gut wrenching to see this, but it is even worse if you let it go, and do not help these animals. The action you take can make the difference and perhaps the animal will find a better home elsewhere.
Teri Salvador
Its amazing how many people leave their pets out in the cold.
My one dog used to get snow packed in his paws, particularly when he aged. I finally started putting socks on his feet when he went out. He made quite the fashion statement but his paws were not rough or chapped after that.
Hi Denise:
Thank you for your comment and I totally agree with you, I cannot understand how people who obtain dogs, or cats treat them like cattle and leave them outside over night. Even in warmer climates dogs can be attacked by wolves, coyotes or other animals and can be killed. I like the socks idea and I bet your dog made a good impression on others with his new socks! The salt and chemicals used on roads these days can irriate skin and when the dog licks this stuff off, it can make them sick. If this is the case it is advised to wash the paws thoroughly with soap and water, dry them and use aloe vera gel or olive oil that can keep the pads soft.
Thanks again.