CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Animal Control asks that pet owners be responsible and take care of their animals all year, but especially during the cold winter months.
Director Rodney Banister said that fortunately, winter in our area doesn’t last too long, but it’s important to protect our pets during the season.
“Remember, if it’s too cold for us, it’s probably too cold for them,” he said. “The minimum requirement by State of Alabama is that you have proper cold weather care for pets. Some suggestions include creating a shelter. If your pets primarily live outdoors, bring them indoors during particularly cold temperatures. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant to cold weather than people because of their fur, but it’s untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather, but no pet should be left outside for long periods once temps reach freezing.”
Once nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, your outdoor pets should have shelter, Banister said.
“Provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to conserve body heat,” he said. “Providing cold weather shelter doesn’t have to be hard. You can use a pre-manufactured pet house, a wooden box, a foam cooler (for cats) or even a cardboard box. Insulate all sides of the shelter with foam board, old blankets or plastic, then line the bottom with an old sleeping bag, coats, fleece or even cedar shavings, straw or hay. Check the bedding daily; dirty and wet bedding can be fatal to a pet. Turn the shelter so it faces away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.”
Banister said to try and place the shelter in a garage or covered porch, or beneath a carport — all of which can provide a few additional degrees of much-needed warmth.
“Be sure to raise the refuge a few inches off the ground to keep the cold from leeching up through the shelter’s bottom while giving your pets sense of security,” Banister said. “Now with pet care, make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, non-metal water bowl). Also, pets who spend a lot of time outside need more food to replace energy lost from trying to stay warm.”
Copyright 2024 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
