Animal Care Network urges owners to bring pets inside

Posted by GINA BRINTLEY
Detroit Free Press

With temperatures dropping to single digits, the Animal Care Network has found many dead or dying dogs and cats. Pet owners are urged to bring your pets indoors.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when the weather is bitter cold:

If you know anyone who keeps pets outdoors, persuade them to bring them inside.

Low temperatures, winds and precipitation can lead to illness, hypothermia and death.

Water bowls freeze in cold weather.

Dogs and cats can suffer from frostbite in a matter of minutes, mainly on feet, ears and tails.

Local laws require that if dogs are kept outdoors, the owner must supply the dog with “proper” shelter. A dog house should not be oversized, since the dog needs to retain body heat; there should be a wind flap on the dog house door; plenty of dry straw (blankets and towels only freeze when used in a doghouse); and access to fresh, unfrozen water because snow is not sufficient to hydrate animals.

Doghouses must be elevated off the ground so they don’t freeze on the bottom.

Double up on food intake during cold weather, extra weight keeps them warmer.

If you see a dog or cat in need of a help, become an advocate for that animal. Speak with the owner, and if that fails to improve the situation, contact your local animal shelter, humane society or animal control office.

If you see dogs or cats wandering the streets, contact local authorities.

Please keep cats inside. Felines who spend time outside can freeze, get lost or injured.

For more information on the Animal Care Network, or to volunteer, please contact Pam Porteous, Animal Care Network Manager, at 248-678-2756 or visit http://www.mi-aan.org.