How to keep pets safe in extreme cold: Shelter is paramount

It can be easy to misjudge the effects of the elements on our companion animals when the mercury drops.

Outdoor adventures can be fun and safe in the cold weather, but still, the details are up for discussion, such as how age affects cold tolerance, what is acceptable when it comes to a canine living outdoors — or what to do if you see a pet not cared for properly as the temperatures plunge.

It's good to remember that certain age groups — puppies and senior dogs — do not tolerate the cold as well as healthy adult dogs. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age or even illness or breed type, take the dog outdoors only to do his or her business.

Though it can be difficult to understand because we don't recognize non-verbal cues that pets exhibit when they are uncomfortable, be assured that they do suffer as much as we do in the outdoors in the winter if not protected.

The plight of outdoor dogs is something that needs to be taken seriously. Some folks see pets as being outdoor-only, but there are other reasons why dogs end up living out in the elements.

In some cases, this kind of arrangement happens because of behavior problems.

Let's face it: canines don't come with an instruction book. Quite honestly, a lot of people who get a dog can feel as though that finding resources for good information and support beyond where to get a dog license can be lacking.

So, it's not surprising that naughty behavior and inappropriate elimination problems rank at the top of the list of reasons that dogs unfairly get the boot outdoors; I and other pet professionals encourage those who have felt it necessary to consider another option.

I recommend finding a qualified behaviorist or trainer who can show you how to overcome the things that are driving you crazy, whether it's house-soiling, uncontrolled chewing or just the ill-mannered exuberance of a dog who doesn't know any better.

For whatever reason that a pooch ends up outdoors permanently, I get emails, tweets and calls regularly from concerned citizens in the winter about dogs that may not be getting adequate care — and what should they do?

Every time someone asks, my heart sinks, because I know that there are many other pets who are in a similar situation.

My advice is always the same: "Call the Humane Society of Huron Valley immediately."

Each year, the organization's Cruelty and Rescue Department handles countless calls of animals left out on the elements without proper housing, nourishment or water.

HSHV Cruelty Investigator Matt Schaecher offers some guidelines for what the law allows, and important guidelines to keep pets safe.

"Even though Michigan state law doesn't prevent dogs from living outside, we remind people that the law does require proper shelter and bedding," says Schaecher.

"During the freezing winter months, we have zero tolerance for dogs found living outside without appropriate protection, and if found to be in danger, those animals will be removed for their own safety."

The law requires adequate bedding be placed inside a weather-proof doghouse (ideally elevated and positioned so that it faces south or east prevent the opening from facing prevailing winds) when temperatures drop below freezing. HSHV Animal Cruelty Investigators suggest using straw instead of wood shavings, towels or blankets because straw holds a dog's body heat longer and doesn't collect moisture and freeze.

Animals that are outside during freezing weather need a constant source of fresh water, so checking the bowl often to ensure it hasn't frozen is important.

Feeding outdoor dogs well is crucial. Even if your dog simply spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him and his fur healthy.

And there's help for pet owners that need it.

"If people need dog houses, they can be obtained here at the shelter," notes Deb Kern, marketing director for HSHV.

"To inquire about a dog house," implores Kern, "call 734-661-3512. Leave a message including your contact information and someone will get back to you."

Kern brought up another program that is helping pet owners: the Bountiful Bowls pet food assistance program. Washtenaw County, Canton and Plymouth residents who are having difficulty meeting the nutritional needs of their pet due to a challenging financial situation have been able to bridge the gap with Bountiful Bowls so that their pets have enough to eat.

Despite all of the added assistance, HSHV strongly recommends keeping pets inside in extreme temperatures.

"Educating the public on proper animal care is our main goal, but we take all complaints of animals subjected to unsafe conditions seriously," adds Schaecher.

"Cases found to be valid will be submitted to the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office on charges of animal cruelty. If you see an animal in danger and you live in Washtenaw County, call 734-661-3512."

Lorrie Shaw is a freelance writer and owner of Professional Pet Sitting. Shoot her an email, contact her at 734-904-7279 or follow her adventures on Twitter.

Michigan resident steps up to get dog tethering law changed

flickr photo courtesy of tobyotter

Despite the fact that the general climate of dog ownership has evolved over the last 20 years or so, there are areas where many feel that the treatment of animals still needs to be improved. There is one specific practice that is a sticking point for one woman from Michigan — canine tethering.

We've all seen it: Dogs secured by a chain or other tether to a stationary object, alone.

For some animals, it's a way of life; little or no contact with other animals, or humans for that matter, for years. In some instances the canines are neglected, and chains or collars are embedded in their necks. Animals frequently get entangled in the tether and are unable to access water, food — or even shelter.

Dogs are not meant to live a solitary existence, and since by nature they are very social creatures, it's no wonder that these scenarios have been shown to be psychologically damaging to dogs, causing anxiety, aggression and other behavioral issues. Lack of socialization and proper training exacerbates this.

Annie Carlson, a substitute teacher from Swartz Creek, knows that there is a simple solution to avoiding these problems and creating an environment where all companion animals have an opportunity to flourish. She wants to see the canine tethering laws changed in the state of Michigan and is petitioning to do so.

The current state law indicates that a person in possession of an animal is to provide adequate care, and the tethering law is clarified:

An owner, possessor, or person having the charge or custody of an animal shall not tether a dog unless the tether is at least 3 times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail and is attached to a harness or nonchoke collar designed for tethering.

Starting at the grassroots level, Carlson has more than 2,000 signatures in total on a petition, and is still pressing on to change Michigan law regarding 24-hour tethering of dogs. Carlson is meeting in Lansing on Tuesday with State Representative Paul Scott, House District 51. The bill language has been established, and she is hopeful that he will sponsor the bill.

Carlson clarifies that there is a distinct difference between a dog being put out on a tether for a short period of time to perform a specific task — and a dog being chained to a doghouse or a tree for life. The latter is a problem for her, other individuals and organizations — including the Huron Valley Humane Society.

In fact, Tanya Hilgendorf, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Huron Valley notes that most of these dogs are neglected. And when they are neglected, she adds, "So many times people don’t even notice that there dogs are too skinny, may be sick or are just not getting enough calories and nutrition, especially to survive outside."

Hilgendorf adds that the Humane Society has Five Freedoms for animals and doesn't believe that tethering is in line with any of them. They are:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst — by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
2. Freedom from Discomfort — by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease — by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior — by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress — by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

While some dog owners deem the practice acceptable, others note that they often say they can’t afford hay or a proper dog house.

The Humane Society's answer: If you can’t afford a dog house, you probably shouldn’t have a dog. And if that's that case, you probably aren't able to afford the rest of the care necessary a dog needs to live a halfway decent life.

Carlson's efforts started in January of last year after seeing a dog chained day in, day out, and not cared for. After contacting local law enforcement to come out and investigate, Carlson said, "Their response was, 'There's nothing that we can do. The owner is within their legal limits.' It was so disturbing."

As it turns out, there were several calls about this particular dog. She was dumbfounded and knew that if the law allowed for that, then it needed to be changed.

Carlson — and the Humane Society — would like to see any new Michigan legislation mirror the California law. They also hope it will include one very important clause addressing the adversely harsh weather that we experience here in Michigan and that tethered dogs are frequently forced to endure.

A resident of New Richmond, Ohio succeeded in changing the tethering laws there. Texas, as well as a grassroots effort in Nevada have either modified the tethering law or made it unlawful.
Carlson is happy with the present outcomes in other states and thinks that Michigan should be next, as does the Humane Society.

Anyone who wants to report improper tethering in Washtenaw County according to Michigan law can contact the Humane Society of Huron Valley's Animal Cruelty Investigation Dept. at 734-661-3512.

What's on your mind with regard to this issue? Participate in the poll and leave your comments.

poll by twiigs.com

Lorrie Shaw is a pet blogger and wrote "How does our perception of an animal's intelligence influence their treatment?" Contact her by e-mail and follow her pet adventures on Twitter as a professional dog walker and pet sitter in the Ann Arbor area.

With poll: The Discovery Channel's "A Dog's Life": a source of controversy in the Metro-Detroit area

It's no secret that times have been tough in Michigan, and in many respects, it's undoubtedly spilled over to the pet population. People have had to leave the state in order to seek a better way to make a living, and in some cases, abandoned ship completely: leaving homes, friends -- and in some cases, their companion animals behind.

flickr photo courtesy of manitari

Some pets have been relinquished to already strained Humane Societies and shelters, others, simply left behind to fend for themselves. 

 The Discovery Channel had an idea: to chronicle the life of stray dogs in Detroit from a four-legged point of view: attaching tiny cameras to the dogs and seeing what goes on day-to-day.  According to freep.com, the project, "A Dog's Life", estimated to be over one million dollars qualified for a $559,361 tax credit from the Michigan Film Office - but Mayor Bing's Detroit film office nixed the deal saying that it would be bad in too many ways, including for the dogs, adding that celebrating the life of homeless dogs is counterproductive.

A quandary certainly exists. This in many respects is uncharted territory, as dogs who are left behind - sometimes locked in the houses in the very houses that they shared with their families - have grown in number so vastly that animal control workers can't keep up.

It's a problem that has affected not just Detroit, but other communities as well, and not just in Michigan.

Have we really identified the problem? What is the solution? How does Mayor Bing's position make you feel? Take the poll (multiple selections are available) and offer your comments below:

poll by twiigs.com

With Poll: Breed-Specific Legislation for canines: what's your opinion?

This is a hot topic: Breed-specific legislation for dogs. What's your experience with it? What is your opinion? Take the poll, and leave your comments. Your two cents is valued:

poll by twiigs.com