Now that the winter cold of January has set in to provide our first extended freeze of the season, it’s time to talk about our pets.

Years ago, it was common to see dogs tethered outside year-round. Sometimes they were chained to a dog house, perhaps with hay or straw to combat the elements. A generation or two ago, some dogs never knew any otherway to live. It was just how some people treated companion animals. People lived inside and dogs lived outside.

That’s no life for man’s best friend, even in spring or summer and even if they are provided food and water.

We’d like to think Americans have advanced beyond that sort of primitive thinking when it comes to pets. But if everyone had the good sense not to tie up dogs out in the elements, periodic reminders like this wouldn’t be necessary.

If you go outside and feel chilled to the bone, imagine how companion animals feel.

The Humane Society website — humanesociety.org — offers tips to protect pets and other animals against winter cold. Among the suggestions:

KEEP PETS SHELTERED

The best way is to keep dogs and cats inside with you when it’s bitterly cold. Pet cats should never be left outside, even if they roam during other seasons. Dogs are happiest when taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time.

If dogs spend most of the day outside for any reason, they must be protected against the elements in a dry, draft-free shelter large enough for them to move around comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat.

The floor should be a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

BUNDLE UP, WIPE DOWN

No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet’s life. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. For this reason, short-haired dogs often feel more comfortable wearing a sweater — even during short walks.

Rock salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.

REMOVE COMMON POISONS

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up any antifreeze spills immediately and keep it, like all household chemicals, out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family.

Dogs are at particular risk of salt poisoning in winter due to the rock salt used in many areas –often when licking it from their paws after a walk. Store de-icing salt in a safe place and wipe your dog’s paws, even after short walks. If your dog ingests rock salt, call a veterinarian immediately.

PROTECT OUTDOOR ANIMALS

If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It’s easy to give them a hand. You can make your own cat shelter quickly and easily with a plastic tub.

Cars are one of many hazards to small animals — warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

We encourage all pet owners to visit humane

society.org to learn about more ways to protect dogs, cats and other at-risk animals for northeastern Ohio’s harsh winter.

editorial@vindy.com

SCRIPTURE

Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.

Job 11:17 NIV