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IT IS A CRIME TO LEAVE YOUR PET OUTSIDE IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES!!
This goes for any type of dog or cat, but since this a pug website, I will talk for a second about pugs. I have seen several stories on the news lately about abandoned pugs, or pugs that live outside chained to a fence or doghouse. A PUG IS NOT AN OUTDOOR DOG!!! They cannot handle extreme heat or cold in any form. If you are not prepared to have your pug inside with you, PLEASE do not purchase one of these dogs.
Cold weather can be fatal for pets. This time of year, the Humane Society gets numerous reports about dogs and cats that have been left outside with no type of shelter or even food. These pets are at an extreme risk for hypothermia, frostbite and even death. The owners of these pets could face criminal charges.
Think about it like this: I read this somewhere and I like it:
A dog’s fur might provide more warmth for them than a human’s skin does, BUT… if you had a coat on, but you still had to sit on the wet, freezing ground for 24 hours a day, your coat would not protect you very well, would it? It would get wet and then you would be cold.
Here is a fact: https://www.humanesociety.org/news/what-do-if-you-see-pet-left-out-cold
- Animal neglect is considered a misdemeanor crime in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
What should you do if you see a dog chained outside in extreme weather?
PLEASE SPEAK OUT!! This animal’s life depends on it. Report to the authorities what you see. Make sure you document the date, time and the location of where you saw the animal and the type of animal it was (dog, cat, etc…). If you can take photos and/or video of the situation, please do. It will help the authorities make a case and get the animal the care it needs. Be sure and write down the authority you give this information too, so you can check back and see if the situation has been taken care of.
Here are some winter tips for taking care of your pets:
- Keep your pets inside with you. Even though dogs have fur, they still feel the cold, just like humans do. It’s fine to take your dog outside for a walk, but bring them inside when you’re done.
- IF your dog or cat MUST be outside part of the day, they must have a dry, draft-free shelter that is big enough for them to move around in, but still allows them to hold in body heat. The floor needs to be raised a few inches off of the ground and it should be covered in shavings or straw. The doorway of the shelter should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic to keep the wind out. Pets who have to stay outdoors part of the day should be fed more because staying warm requires more energy. Make sure your pet’s water dish is fresh and not frozen. Use only plastic bowls when the temperature drops because your pet’s tongue can get stuck and freeze to metal dishes, which will harm your pet.
- Windchill is extremely dangerous to pets. If your pets skin is exposed to the elements, the skin on their noses, ears and paw pads can be at risk for frostbite and hypothermia. If you take your dog for a walk, please put a sweater on them. Molly (my pug) wears a dog coat and I put a crocheted ear warmer over her ears when it’s cold).
- Rock salt and other harsh chemicals are used to melt snow, but they can irritate the pads on your dog’s feet and cause salt poisoning in your dog. Don’t let your dog lick his/her paws after they’ve walked on a sidewalk that has been treated with it. Wipe your dog’s feet off when you come in the house. Store the de-icing salt in a safe place. Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog ingests rock salt.Libre’s Law
A few years ago, the state of Pennsylvania passed a law called, “Libre’s Law.” This law was named after a 7 week old puppy who was left outside and suffered from terrible cruelty and neglect. Libre was in bad shape, but he did survive, thanks to immediate care he received once the authorities knew about his situation. Pennsylvania went on to pass this law that regulates the length of time a dog can be kept outside in extreme temperatures. The law says that dogs cannot be tied up outside for more than 30 minutes if the weather drops below 32 degrees or if the weather is above 90 degrees. The law says that people who break Libre’s Law will get fined and can face jail time, up to 12 months. Yah, Pennsylvania!!!
The hope is that Libre’s Law will become law in all 50 states!!!
Please keep your pets warm and safe during this cold season… NO PET deserves to have to stay outside in freezing weather without some type of warm shelter!!!
Until next time,
Love and Pug Kisses,
Candy
