When it comes to outdoor pet safety, your brain may go straight to summertime concerns. Hot days can easily overheat and dehydrate your beloved pooch or kitty-cat, not to mention the damage hot asphalt can do to paw pads. But for those who live in more northern climates, winter is fraught with just as many hazards for animals. Especially during freezing rain and severely cold temperatures, dogs and cats left outside can be subject to frostbite, serious illness, and even death. (1)
Libre’s Law
In some states, legislation has been created to protect animals left outside in the cold. Pennsylvania is a shining example of this, releasing Libre’s Law in 2017, which states no pet should be leashed for more than 30 minutes in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Those owners found guilty could face up to $750 in fines and 3 months of jail time. Sadly, Libre’s law is named after an actual case involving a Boston terrier puppy, named Libre, who was found on an empty farm in the dead of winter. Luckily, Libre did survive and has created a larger societal conversation about what animal neglect looks like in different seasons. (2)
What To Do If…
A dog tied up in the snow may not attract as much attention as one who suffered from physical violence, but it can still be a blatant sign of neglect. If you see a domestic pet left in the cold, report what you see using photos or videos to your local animal control agency or sheriff’s office. There may not be specific laws in your area against having a pet outside, but know that animal neglect is a misdemeanor in all 50 states. Don’t be afraid to follow-up either if you continue to see signs of animal mistreatment, and the situation goes unresolved. (2, 3)
Protect Your Pup!
Animal experts have several recommendations for pet owners in the winter months to keep their four-legged family members safe.
- First, avoid leaving your animal in a car for any period of time during the winter. Though a car may seem safe, in fact, they can hold the cold like a refrigerator and cause a pet to freeze to death.
- If you have a cat, make sure that he or she does not seek shelter under your car hood (the warmth from the engine can be oh so inviting) before starting the car. A knock on the hood or sounding the horn should scare them out.
- In situations where your pet must remain outside for the winter, check with your local humane society or bylaw officer about what is deemed an appropriate shelter. At bare minimum, animals should have a dry, draft-free space with a door flap. Weatherproof materials, insulation, and sound design of a dog or cat house will also increase their safety.
- Ensure the water source available to animals outside does not become frozen. A plastic, ceramic, insulated, or heated bowl is ideal for the winter, diminishing freezing and preventing your pet’s tongue from sticking (as seen with metal bowls). (1)
Snow Much Fun
At the end of the day, your dog is just like you. If you think it’s too cold, then they likely do too. Certainly, enjoy winter activities with your pet, but consider shortening your time outside, protecting their feet with booties, slipping them into a warm jacket, and accounting for their diminished scent in the cold. When you come back inside, clean your pet’s paws, removing snow and de-icing chemicals, and ensure they have a spot to get warmed up again. Finally, pay attention to your pet’s body language for signs they are too cold or having a fun time in the snow! (1)
