Extreme Weather Conditions Exist For Animals Who Are Outdoors
Extreme weather conditions exist for animals who are outdoors for even a short period of time. The Prairieland Animal Welfare Center has had several urgent telephone calls today to check on the well-being of animals who are outdoors or who have limited shelter. We have also had calls about animals who were left outside in the extreme conditions and who have died due to exposure.
Pet owners must take immediate action to be sure their pets are safe and secure. Outdoor pets cannot handle the severe weather conditions any better than we humans could handle them. If it is 32 degrees or less bring outdoor animals inside. Pets, especially small ones, can freeze to death in cold weather.
If you must leave animals outside, be sure they are in a barn, garage, shed, doghouse, or other shelter from the wind and weather. Line the area where the pets will be sheltered with several layers of straw, newspapers, shreddies, or other materials which are easily disposable. If animals are in a doghouse or igloo, line it inside and outside with towels, blankets, or other materials which will help shelter the pet from drafts.
Be sure pets who are left outside have an opportunity to come inside to get warmed up several times a day.
Use common sense with the care of animals during extreme periods of cold and severe weather. Pets are as susceptible to frostbite, freezing, and dehydration as we humans are when we are in severe weather conditions.
Call the Prairieland Animal Welfare Center at 342-1275 if you are aware of animals in the City of Galesburg which need to be checked on.
