With temperatures dropping, pet owners should be checking that their outdoor pets are ready for the winter.
Animals should be provided with food, water and an adequate shelter during the winter months. Not providing these essentials for dogs, cats and other animals carry criminal penalties and fines, according to Koochiching County Sheriff Brian Youso.
Borderland Humane Society President Nicki Tureen said pet owners who run into problems getting their pet ready for the winter should call BHS for suggestions and ideas. BHS can’t take the animal, but it can help the pet owner, Tureen said.
Dogs kept outdoors for more than an hour must be provided with a dog house. According to Minnesota law, the shelter must be moisture and wind proof, large enough for the dog but small enough to retain body heat, made of durable material and raised at least 2 inches from the ground, the entrance must be covered by wind proof material and bedding made of straw, cedar shavings or blankets must be provided.
Veterinarian Wayne Hasbargen suggests creating an insulated barricade around the entrance of the shelter to deflect the wind. A hanging door or one made of cloth should not be used because it lets air in, he said.
Pet owners should also be concerned with moisture because it wets the dog’s fur, causing the dog to become colder, Hasbargen said. If the pet owner looks at the roof of the dog house and it is coated with frost, it is also on the dogs fur, he said. He suggests lining the house with Styrofoam to help with moisture.
Another suggestion is installing a light bulb in the dog house, Hasbargen said, noting that it needs to be dog proof with a wire cage guard over it that is away from any attempt by the dog to chew on it. The light bulb is a source of heat that helps take the moisture out of the dog house.
Pet owners should also ensure that their dog is receiving enough food and should frequently check to make sure their dog is not losing weight, Hasbargen said. During the winter, dogs need more food and calories, he said.
Pets also need clean, drinkable water. Snow and ice are not adequate, according to Minnesota law.
The law authorizes the removal, sheltering and caring for any animal which is not properly sheltered from cold, heat or inclement weather, or any animal not properly fed and watered, according to Youso.
If an animal’s life is in immediate danger, residents should call 911. Residents with concerns about an animal should call law enforcement and notify BHS at 324-2313 about the call so it can follow through, Tureen said.
Youso also suggested residents with concerns call the Minnesota Federated Humane Societies at 612-866-8663, which suggests following up with the phone call after 48 hours to ensure that the concern was investigated. The follow-up call is suggested because of the large number of calls the organization receives.