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 be...