When temperatures drop it’s the dogs and cats, which are left outside for long periods of time, forcing them to endure the biting winds and extreme cold, which will be the ones suffering the worst of the season.

Poodle, as well as the owners of other pets, who experience the extremes of winter can use these simple tips from the Michigan Human Society to ensure that this winter is a safe and one for their pets.

Safety Tips:

• When temperatures plummet, pets should not be left outside for any length of time. Bring small or short-haired pets in when temperatures reach 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit. Larger breeds and thick-coated dogs may remain outside, with adequate shelter, to a temperature of zero.
• Precipitation and wind chill should also be taken into account.
• Cats should be kept indoors or at least brought into a warm, animal proofed garage during severe weather.
• Roaming cats often seek the warmth of car engines, so be sure to knock on the car hood or honk the horn before starting your car to startle them and give them a chance to escape.
• Increase the amount of food by 10-20 percent for dogs left outside during the winter months. The extra calories are needed to help an animal to stay warm.
• Regular access to clean, unfrozen water is also critical. Check drinking water frequently – every few hours – to ensure that it is unfrozen.
• If an animal is cold to the touch, or his paws and ears are pale, he may be suffering from frostbite. Move the animal to a warmer area and contact your veterinarian immediately.

It is strongly urged that all pet owners allow their animals to reside inside, especially during extreme weather. However, if people leave their pets outdoors for any length of time, they are required by most states law to provide them with adequate food, water and shelter and have a protective flap to eliminate drafts. (Check your state and local ordinances)

Adequate shelter for dogs, as defined by state law, means a well-built, insulated, slant-roofed dog house. The interior should be just large enough for the dog to stand and to lie down comfortably. It should be slightly elevated from the ground for air circulation. The door should face away from prevailing winds Clean, dry straw should be provided for bedding rather than towels, rugs or blankets, which absorb moisture and are freeze in frigid temperatures. Read this story here…

These are the absolute minimum conditions that must be provided.

According to Mark Ramos, a Senior Cruelty Investigator for the Michigan Human Society, “Every winter, our Cruelty Investigators respond to hundreds of complaints about pets that are left outdoors without adequate shelter. We urge everyone to bring pets indoors, at minimum during the frigid winter months, to protect their pets and prevent needless suffering.”

While penalties will vary from state to state, most have animal cruelty statutes on the book that are similar to Michigan’s. According to Michigan law failure to provide proper provisions for pets can result in misdemeanor animal cruelty violations carrying a sentence of up to 93 days in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, community service, and loss of pet ownership for a specified amount of time.