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(KOAM)–As winter weather brings frigid temperature, it’s important to not only bundle up ourselves but also make sure our furry friends are warm.
Labette County Sheriff Darren Eichinger is urging pet owners to take precautions when the cold weather hits.
To help keep pets warm and safe during these harsh conditions, Sheriff Eichinger recommends making sure your pet is indoors.
“Get them out of the wind, out of the cold. Provide plenty of bedding for them to keep warm” said Sherriff Eichinger.
The Joplin Humane Society shared an important reminder, when the temperature drops below freezing, pets should only be exposed to these conditions for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
“Don’t keep them outside if they don’t have to be. Take them inside because, you know, with these temperatures, they will get cold a lot quicker. And there’s always a chance that, you know, they could freeze”, said Sheriff Eichinger.
The Joplin Humane Society also highlights that pets who are very old, very young, or have short fur are even more vulnerable to the dangers of cold weather.
One of the risks of the cold weather is hypothermia.
When it comes to pets that are not accustomed to freezing temperatures, Sheriff Eichinger stresses that it’s better for them to stay inside.
“Double coat dogs that are used to cold weather, that’s much different than one that’s been in the house and you leave it outside. Where we live, I would say they need to bring them in because they’re not exposed to cold weather temperatures year-round like they’re up in the northern Arctic part” said Sheriff Eichinger.
Aside from the risk of cold, dehydration is another concern that pet owners should be aware of, even in winter.
Sheriff Eichinger reminds everyone that dehydration isn't just a risk during the summer months but also in colder weather.
“They will get dehydrated. You need to make sure that they have fresh water, that there’s no ice on it, and make sure they have plenty of food. They need the food to keep the energy up, to burn calories, to keep them warm” Sheriff Eichinger.
To prevent frozen water bowls, Sheriff Eichinger recommends using heated water bowls, which can help keep water from freezing and ensure pets always have access to fresh water.
As the cold temperatures continue, taking these simple steps can make a big difference in keeping pets safe, warm, and hydrated.
The Joplin Humane Society says some signs of hypothermia in pets include lethargy, difficulty walking, and low heart rate.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
