By Joe Rodweller
What a nice past few weeks we had, if you can’t wait for spring. Everyone was outside just to be outside including all the animals. It was just enough warmer weather so that you might forget when the cold returns and those pets might get left out for too long. Now that our regular frigid weather has returned, so must our vigilance against frostbite and cold weather related injuries. Some people can withstand more cold than others and so also can some animals.
Keep this in mind when you’re out and about and notice what you might think is an animal left out too long in the cold. Don’t get me wrong, if you see an animal out in sub-zero weather and you are concerned about its well being, call someone to have it checked out. You never know, you just might be saving it. What I can tell you is this winter, so far has been quite lower on cold weather related animal calls. I would like to think it is because everyone has become more caring about the animals? We will leave it at that.
The following are some things everyone should know. All animals that are left outside must have shelter. This means dogs, horses, cows and all other livestock. This in no way says they have to use it! Most of them don’t! Horses might get close enough to block the doorway so none of the others can use it also. Cattle, well, never mind. Most of the rest that I can think of will usually be inside on their own when there is snow or frigid temps. Almost all have a kind of built-in gauge that tells them to seek shelter. You can always pick out the impaired ones and they are in all the animal groups. Having a horse blanket on your horse does not mean you don’t need a shelter. What I would like you to take away from this is that there must be a shelter available that the animal can use if it wants to when they are outside.
Dogs, on the other hand, must have a shelter that can insulate them from all types of weather. Beware that some types might look like they are well-rated or someone might tell you it is good enough for bad weather, when in fact they are not. Some of the igloo-type shelters are not made or rated for our weather here, but they are sold as if they are. If you are going to buy a shelter for your dog and don’t know what to get, check them out on your computer. If you don’t have one, ask or call your ACO. They should know. No matter which shelter you choose for your dog make sure it is rated for our weather, In my opinion and many others’, even if you have a shelter for your dog, it should not be left chained out there 24 hours a day. Chaining a dog outside forever does not make you a caring person to say the least.
With the cold weather back, we still have people who are willing to help and loan supplies for your pets if needed, such as cages, blankets, bedding and extra food, etc. So give us a call if you need some help or would like to help. Thanks again for reading and stay vigilant.
Joe Rodweller of Linneus, a certified animal control officer and member of the Maine Animal Control Association, operates Maine Animal Control with his wife Debbie. He can be reached at 538-1347 or via e-mail at debjoe347@ yahoo.com.
