Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

Pets, pets how do we adore our pets! We love them for the love they bring us and for many of us, we cherish having them for being our companions. While others love them for the job that they provide, for example, service dogs or emotional support animals. No matter the reason, do you know what's best for them in this season?

The question on hand is, "How long is too long for your pets to be outside in the frigid elements?". Remember that as we take a review of being a good pet owner during winter.

To our dog owners out there in the Downriver area, do you have an inside pet or an outside pet? Either way, this is for you! Over the past few weeks, Metro Detroit has experienced some of the coldest, bone chilling temperature this winter season that we have had in a very long time. Even without much snow,

there has been plenty of winter advisories due to the frigid temperatures. Just like this week alone. The freezing temps has left it feeling like it's in the negative degrees on our skin.

For our pets, they can feel that as well. Now while some dog breeds thrive in freezing temperatures, even negative health effects can happen. Hypothermia, dehydration, dry and/or cracked paws can occur from being outside in the elements. If you own breeds such as Dalmatians, border collies, boxers, or rottweilers, you have to take extreme cautions because they can only handle a short time being outside. You only want to allow them at max about 30 minutes of outside play to exercise, but they need to be supervised to watch out for any signs of frostbite or even worse hypothermia. If your dog is like my dog, who is stubborn at times, then playing isn't an option and they make their own decisions to absolutely nothing at all. If they aren't wearing a coat then, allow only five to 10 minutes for restroom like activities. By no means, owners of the breeds Chihuahuas, Yorkies and Italian Greyhounds should be spent at any time outside, if temperatures are 10 degrees or less. You can allow them only 10 to 15 minutes when temperatures are in the range of 10-32 degrees Fahrenheit. It just isn't safe to have them outside any longer.

According to Hills brand, the company that makes, Science Diet animal food, say, "Hypothemia occurs when a dog's body temperature is abnormally low. Shivering is usually the first sign. The condition makes them look tired and uncomfortable." Get your pet grab them and immediately bring them inside and wrap them with a warm towel.

For cat owners, we haven't forgotten about you either. Never allow your house cat to go outside when temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Both young and old cats get cold more quickly. Cats who are skinny, sick, or breeds that derive from warmer climates, yes them especially are prone to fellow the effects of the climates sooner. Now, if your cat is a breed with a heavier coat, it'll keep them warmer longer but, the exposed temperatures are just the same.

Cold is cold and eventually they'll get cold too! Just as their dog counterparts, cats can experience frostbite and hypothermia as well. We know what that means, as stated above. We know that stray cats exist and they live outside in the elements, so the let's pose this question. Can cat survive the cold? According to http://www.PetMD.com, even though it may very well be possible, it's certainly not advisable nor is it humane to leave them outside in cold. "If there's a neighborhood cat that appears to not have pet parents, wintertime is a dangerous anduncomfortable period for them." When possible, help provide them with shelters inside your home or at minimum, try to give them a heated, wind-free and insulated space to sleep, eat and seek shelter.

Locally here in Metro Detroit, the Michigan Humane Society reveals another great tip and shares in an article on their website that says, "Leave their coats long. Animals' coats help protect their skin and body from the cold. During winter months, it's best not to shave animalsdown to the skin. Trims are still recommended to prevent matting. Keep them dry, drying off their whole body after time outside helps them get warm faster.". The Michigan Humane went

on to state, is to increase your pets' calories. While working to stay warm, animals use more calories. During winter it can help to increase food slightly to ensure healthy weight gain.

For the remainder of winter, let's continue to do our parts in keeping our pets safe. A list hasbeen provided that can be beneficial to dog and cat lovers alike. Hopefully this can be a resource for you to provide some much-needed items that you haven't thought about purchasing before!

List of Items to keep you pet warm

1. Purchase and allow your dog to wear a winter coat every time they step outside.

2. Keep their paws clean

3. Create a warm space inside

4. Keep your dog on a leash

5. Give outside dog's shelter

6. Keep the dog house insulated with at least 4 inches of straw to prevent cold from rising from the outside, coming off the ground

7. Bring them inside when it's extremely cold

8. Purchase an outdoor heated water bowl

9. Purchase a heated warming pad

Did you know that Michigan Law requires animals to be given adequate care including shelter that provides protecton from the elements and weather conditions. Be kind to your pet, give them a fighting and reasonable chance. Can you imagine having to live or stay outside in these utterly frigid temperatures. It's unbearable out there. Stay safe and include your pets!