BY LISA VALENTINE
Lake Orion Review Staff Writer
You aren’t the only one feeling the chill as the mercury drops this winter.
Dogs and cats are affected by the low temperatures too, and should have a watchful eye kept on them during the wintertime, according to the Michigan Humane Society.
The Michigan Humane Society stresses that companion animal guardians should make proper provisions for their animals now, before it becomes a life or death situation.
‘While we’re not seeing dogs literally frozen yet, the weather is cold and wet enough that some animals who are underweight or suffer from a poor diet, and otherwise have borderline health or with inadequate housing are beginning to suffer from exposure,? said Michigan Humane Society cruelty investigator Debby MacDonald.
‘Colder weather, freezing rain or snow, and wind chill reports, are signs that your dog needs more protection from the elements. It can’t wait.?
Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Heidi Hawley has worked in animal control for 28 years, and said cruelty complaints always spike as the temperature drops.
‘People are looking out the window and seeing the animals without shelter,? she said. ‘A lot of it is also people not putting bedding in their dog houses…Especially if you have a short hair dog, you have to provide hay.?
Hawley said to be considered adequate shelter for a dog, a structure must have three sides.
‘If your dog is outside, you have to provide shelter,? she said. ‘If your dog is in a dog house, you should have a flap over the front to keep out the wind.?
Hawley said a porch with an overhang is not considered adequate shelter.
‘And if you bring an animal into the garage, you need to provide a blanket for them to lay on,? she said. ‘The concrete floor will draw out body heat.?
Owners who don’t properly care for their animals during the winter months can face a misdemeanor charge that carries a sentence of up to 93 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, community service and the loss of pet ownership for a specified amount of time.
‘I just go by common sense,? said Hawley, regarding when it is too cold for your dog or cat to stay outside. ‘It depends on the weather and the length of time they are going to be outside, and whether the dog is a short or long hair, and how big it is.
‘Water is also very important in the wintertime,? she said. ‘Animals should have fresh, clean water two times a day. Otherwise, they’ll eat snow, and that will. drop their body temperature.?
The Michigan Humane Society recommends that companion animals live indoors with the rest of the family. However, at a minimum, animals kept outdoors must have the necessary provisions as required by law to maintain their health.
A properly-sized dog house with clean, dry straw, as well as a healthy diet and additional calories can help a dog maintain enough warmth to carry him through the months of cold weather.
‘People have to remember that you don’t want too big or small of a dog house,? Hawley said. ‘If the house is too big, it won’t keep the dog warm, same if it is too small.?
‘Too often, outdoor dogs are simply forgotten during cold weather,? said MacDonald of the Humane Society. ‘But not providing adequate shelter is breaking the law. If necessary, bring animals into the house until proper shelter can be made available outside.?
Guardians who are unable to provide for their animals? basic needs of food, water and adequate shelter are encouraged to surrender the animals to an animal welfare organization such as the Michigan Humane Society.
The Humane Society asks that pet owners keep the following in mind: When temperatures plummet, companion animals should not be left outside for any length of time. Even large or long-haired dogs cannot withstand severe or inclement weather.
Bring small or short-haired dogs inside when temperatures reach 15-20 degrees Farenheit. Larger breeds and thick-coated dogs may remain outside, with adequate shelter, to about 0 degrees. Precipitation and severe wind chills should be taken into account, the Humane Society said.
Cats should be kept permanently indoors or at least brought into a warm, animal-proofed garage during severe weather. Don’t forget to leave a blanket.
Because roaming cats often seek the warmth of car engines, knock on the car hood and honk the horn before starting your car.
Adequate shelter is required by Michigan state law for dogs remaining outdoors for any length of time. Adequate means well-built, insulated and slant-roofed. Interior should be just large enough for the dog to stand and lie down comfortably.
It should be elevated from the ground for air circulation, and the door should face away from prevailing winds and have a protective flap.
Clean, dry straw is preferable for bedding rather than towels, rugs or blankets, which may quickly freeze.
Increase food and water by 10-20 percent for outdoor dogs in the winter. Check drinking water frequently, every few hours, to make sure it’s not frozen.