MARCH 4, 2010 ISSUE
Question Around the Office
How Many Nights Below Freezing Can Pets Endure Outside?
No matter if it is snowing or not, this winter has been cold, and everybody should be thankful for the warmth indoors they can enjoy when the winter winds are blowing. In regards to the sustained cold the High Country has experienced this unforgettable winter, we wanted to remind residents to take care of their pets, who may be struggling with warmth if they are kept outdoors. We wondered how many nights with temperatures below freezing a pet can survive outside.
The answer is just as many nights (or less) as a human could survive, according to Watauga Humane Society Shelter Manager Lynn Northup, who added that the Humane Society recommends that all pets live indoors.
“The big [danger] is the wind, exposure to the wind,” said Northup. “If pets are kept outside, [owners] need to make sure the housing is properly insulated. Pets can get frostbite quickly, just like people.”
During the winter storm in late December 2009, the Humane Society received one report of a dead dog found in its doghouse that was completely buried in the snow. Two weeks ago, a cat arrived at Animal Control with its tail frozen from exposure to the elements. The cat was diagnosed with hypothermia and taken to an emergency vet, but it passed away soon after.
“Animal Control calls definitely go up in the winter [due to owners neglecting pets that live outdoors],” said Northup. “Unfortunately, the law says that food, water and shelter is all that’s required.”
The law, according to Northup, doesn’t specify what kind of shelter needs to be provided. If pets must stay outside, Northup recommends a well-insulated doghouse and adding extra insulation with cedar shavings or hay, “Something they can burrow into,” she said.
“If a shelter isn’t insulated properly, Animal Control can talk to the owner about proper housing,” Northup added.
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