Pulaski Animal Center reminds community members to keep their pets warm this winter

Monday, December 9, 2024 at 5:00 AM

By Shelby Lopez

The Pulaski Animal Center in Winamac is reminding pet owners that while many think that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, pets are still very susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and generally should be kept inside during cold weather.

As winter weather has officially sunk its claws into northern Indiana, most Hoosiers have turned on their furnaces and gotten out their winter coats to stay warm. The Pulaski Animal Center in Winamac is reminding pet owners that while many think that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, pets are still very susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and generally should be kept inside during cold weather.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.

While having a pet outside for extended periods of time is never recommended, those unable to keep a dog or cat inside should at least provide them with a warm, solid shelter to protect them against the wind and off the ground to minimize heat loss. The floor of space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire. Heated pet mats should also be used with caution because they are still capable of causing burns.

Pulaski Animal Center Manager Sara Bridegroom says having proper bedding for a pet is essential and recommends straw. Never place towels, blankets, pet beds, or any other material in shelters, she adds, because these materials can get wet from the elements, sweat and more, making for a dangerous situation for pets having to sleep on frozen material.

"We just gave away several makeshift houses for outside cats to community members recently, but those who need to make similar shelters can do so by putting straw in storage totes or Styrofoam coolers so they're completely out of the elements," Bridegroom said.