How to care for pets during freezing weather

As we have just experienced, this area can easily go from temperatures in the 70s to the 30s literally overnight.
Now is the time to have cold-weather preparations in place for our pets.
While their coats may provide a minimal amount of protection, cats and dogs feel the cold just like we do.

In south Louisiana, most of us simply aren’t made for freezing weather.
If it’s too cold outside for us, it is too cold for pets.

Here are some tips to keep pets and community cats warm, healthy and safe when we face frigid weather.

INDOORS IS BEST: Dogs that are outside should be brought indoors in the event of freezing temperatures.
If pets absolutely cannot be brought inside, make sure that they have adequate shelter from the elements.
Their shelter needs to be warm, protected from wind and rain, and raised off the ground.
Dog houses should not be overly large and should have warm bedding such as dry, clean towels or blankets.
Bedding will need to be changed frequently.
Elevating the doghouse off the ground a few inches will prevent moisture from coming in through the floor.
A flap opening or positioning away from the wind will help keep the warmth in.

FRESH WATER IS A MUST: Pets need access to fresh, clean water at all times as they can become dehydrated in the winter.
Watch that the drinking water does not freeze and prevent the pet from drinking.

FERAL COLONIES AND OUTDOOR CATS: For colony caretakers, it is a good idea to leave a garage door cracked so that the felines have a warm place to go.
If the colony is away from the home, have provisions such as bins or boxes propped up sideways with warm bedding such as blankets or hay so that they have a warm retreat.

KNOCK ON THE CAR HOOD: If there are neighborhood cats, make sure to check cars before starting them.
Cats tend to curl up in tire wheel wells and under the hood of cars to escape the cold, so make it a routine to knock on the hood before starting the car so that a hiding cat is not injured or taken on an unplanned road trip.

LIMIT BATHS: The cold weather can cause dry, flaky skin for pets just as it does for people.
Try to limit baths; washing a pet too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance for dry skin.

PICK UP CHEMICALS: Keep pets away from toxic items such as antifreeze and rat poison — two items that are frequently used during colder months.
It is always a good idea to keep all toxic items well out of reach of pets and children year-round.

Do not leave a pet outside to suffer through the cold.
According to Louisiana statue RS14:102.1, it is simple cruelty to animals to fail to provide proper shelter.
Proper shelter means “providing each animal with adequate shelter from the elements as required to prevent unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering by the animal.”

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite and even death.

It is vital to have a cold-weather plan for all pets when temperatures reach freezing or near freezing so that pets have proper shelter.

Check with elderly neighbors to make sure both they and their pets are warm during cold snaps.

If you see something, say something.
If an animal is spotted outdoors during a freeze without adequate shelter, please alert the parish shelter or proper authorities immediately.

When the temperatures drop below freezing, the City of New Orleans activates its freeze plan.
The Louisiana SPCA says the activation means that all companion animals must be moved indoors or to an area that provides shelter from the weather, and they cannot be left outside unsupervised for extended periods.

When a freeze happens, the Louisiana SPCA's New Orleans Humane Law & Rescue works in emergency operations mode.
This means that all animals that are left outside are treated as emergencies.
To report an animal emergency, please dial 911. For Jefferson Parish, contact the Humane Division (504) 349-5536 and for emergencies, call (504) 554-4744.

Events

JAN.
19: New Year's puppy and dog PetSmart adoption event takes place at 6851 Veterans Blvd.
in Metairie from noon to 4 p.m.
Meet puppies and dogs from Animal Rescue New Orleans.
All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new bed from ARNO.
For more info, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.