With temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s overnight across Louisiana, the Humane Society of Louisiana urges pet owners to provide extra protection from the cold. Pet owners should bring dogs and cats indoors. Outdoor dogs should have fresh, dry straw in their shelters, and insulated plastic bins can serve as makeshift shelters for outdoor cats.
“Animals want to be apart of your family. Who wants to be tied up to a tree their whole life with a little plastic carrier next to them? So, be mindful, be considerate, be compassionate…bring your animals inside,” said Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson.
Dorson says if bringing your pets indoors another option is moving them into a garage or storage area, but do so responsibly.
“At least at a minimum make your garage or shed comfortable. A blanket, and stray, a safe space heater. Anything to get them out of the artic cold about to come to our state.”
To treat hypothermia, bring pets indoors, wrap them in warm blankets, and dry wet fur. Advanced care may include warm IV fluids, heated pads, or warm oxygen therapy. Dorson emphasizes that if you’re cold, your pets likely are too, urging owners to protect their animals from harsh weather conditions.
“That fur coat doesn’t go a long way. Especially, if it gets damp or wet. You’re looking at a poor animal shivering in a wet coat. So, bring them inside. That’s the best policy.”
Dorson reminds the public that Hypothermia is a serious risk for animals exposed to freezing temperatures, with symptoms including shivering, lethargy, pale gums, stiff muscles, shallow breathing, and a slow heart rate.
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