Stray Rescue St. Louis provided useful tips and what the conditions can do to animals left in the cold.
ST. LOUIS — The tough elements of a winter storm like the one expected in the Bi-state this weekend will be hard for pets and strays.
Staff at Stray Rescue St. Louis pleaded with the public to foster or adopt if they have space to help relieve their intake list this winter. The rescue center was at capacity with more than 100 dogs and cats in its care and more in overflow as of Friday.
“We know that there are going to be several animals. Several calls over the next few days of animals in need. We want to be able to help everyone that we possibly can,” said Katie Grana, event and public relations coordinator.
With the first big storm of the season expected to blow in, the first big ask was to keep pets inside.
Grana provided options if providing your pet shelter was not possible.
“They need a place to lay that is raised off of the ground or to have straw over the ground so that they are not just lying on the freezing cold ground and check their water regularly because it can start to freeze and it's not even helpful for them when it's outside,” she said.
While some may find clothing silly, it can be helpful.
“A sweater or jacket on them is great as well as you can purchase outdoor shoes for animals. Their feet will get very cold when they are outside so keep it brief.”
Animal healthcare providers have their work cut out for them during this season because they have to address illnesses that are caused by cold temperatures.
“Hypothermia. Dogs can't find water whenever it's cold because everything is frozen. So they are dehydrated. They are hungry. It's harder to find food. Just things like that and then of course frostbite when it's this cold on their feet, on their ears, on their face,” said Edie Oliver, the veterinarian at Stray Rescue.
Beating the cold means beating long-term skin damage and severe surgeries.
Drivers should check under their hoods to ensure an animal is not taking shelter underneath it.
Stray Rescue St. Louis will have staff working around the clock and urges the public to call them if they see a stray animal.
