Linda Mask, director of Animal Rescue Foundation in Sylacauga, said the two most important things to help pets survive the cold are to provide them shelter and keep them hydrated.
The best option for providing warm shelter in the winter is to bring pets inside when the temperature drops below freezing. However, not all pets want to come inside or can be brought inside.
Mask said creating a warm place like a dog house or cedar chest with blankets for cats can be a big step in the right direction for providing shelter from the wind and winter precipitation the animals may have to face.
Her own cat is kept on her closed off porch in a fenced in yard to protect it from the elements.
“I put my cat in a baby cradle with blankets on my front porch,” Mask said. “She has a heat lamp to keep her warm throughout the night. You’d be surprised how much warmth a clamp light with a 60-watt bulb can provide – it’s more than you would think. My cat will not come indoors, so we had to come up with this plan a few years ago.”
For cats that are not kept in an enclosed yard or indoors, however, automobile owners should be cautious before revving the engine in winter months. Cats will often seek a warm place to sleep in the winter, including the warm engine of a recently parked car. Before getting in the car, the driver should bang on the hood to give the cat time to escape before being injured or killed by being caught in the engine.
Giving the animal a way to get out of the cold is not the only important tip for winter. Providing plenty of food and water for animals braving the cold is also important.
Mask said many people are surprised to learn that animals need just as much fresh water in the winter as they do in the hotter months.
“Hydration is so important in keeping animals well and able to deal with the cold weather,” Mask said. “Whatever their size or age, animals need to stay hydrated and have plenty of food for energy. Puppies and kittens might have little tummy upsets from time to time, but that won’t do near the damage to their bodies that being dehydrated will.”
With temperatures so low, frozen water is a concern. But Mask said the best most people can do is keep an eye on the water and keep it from freezing solid. Although she said a little ice forming in the bowl is okay. Heated bowls – and heated bedding – are available also, but may not fit into every pet owner’s budget.
If someone spots a dog or cat that looks as if they have nowhere to go, the shelter at 41 Shelter Lane in Sylacauga has outside kennels where animals can be dropped off to be taken care of.
The shelter is open to the public Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. But if someone finds an animal at a time when the shelter is not open, they can still drop the animal off and rest assured that someone from the shelter will come by to check on the kennels before too long.
Larger kennels with blankets, food and water are on either side of smaller kennels with similar amenities. All of the kennels are housed under what Mask said resembles a large carport with a metal canopy and a tarp to keep it insulated to provide shelter for any animals dropped off while the shelter is closed.
There is also a board with mailboxes where those dropping the animals off may leave information about the dogs or cats if they wish.
“Animals are affected by these temperatures because they don’t have the body mass we do,” Mask said. “They don’t have a choice to layer other coats on. They need extra help to keep warm. Any shelter can work, as long as they have warm bedding and can get in and out of the enclosure being used. Some of my neighbors clear out a storage building for their dogs in the winter.”
For more information about keeping animals safe during winter or any time of year, call the foundation at 256-245-2500.
Post a Comment
