Winter weather is expected this week with the low predicted to be in the teens. Humane Society of Louisiana urge pet owners not to leave pets outside especially overnight. Director Jeff Dorson says if it’s too cold for you to be outside, its probably too cold for your furry friends.
“If you can’t bring them inside, how about your utility room or garage? Anything is better than outside. And so your cats too if they’re your companion. Please bring them in. They’re all going to feel the cold and we’d like everybody to be comfortable.”
State law requires pet owners to bring pets inside when temperatures fall below fifty degrees. This means it will be illegal to leave a pet out in the cold this week.
When it comes to larger animals like livestock, Dorson recommends putting them in stalls, sheds, or barns and give them enough food. He says its important for owners to bring pets inside when the temperature dips to freezing conditions.
“Animals can suffer from hyperthermia just like we can. Frostbite. The same kind of issues we experience in the cold, they will as well.”
Another important precaution is to keep antifreeze away from pets or where they can get to it. Dorson says antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, so if you spill it – clean it up.
“And so when you’re filling up your car with antifreeze, make sure if it spill to put dirt on it, salt on it, something to keep the cats away. Even dogs like the taste of it and it’s fatal.”
If you see a pet left out in the cold, contact your local animal control office or police department.
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