Helping Pets in Freezing Weather
By: Brittany Escobar
Updated: January 14, 2013
Leaving pets out in inclimate weather without proper shelter is considered animal cruelty according to the South Plains SPCA.
If you see this happening in your area you can do something about it by calling SPCA at 445-6317.
As for pet owners there are some steps to take to ensure pets are warm during freezing weather.
"To help them don't put blankets or towels outside in their dog houses," said South Plains SPCA President Jolynn Payne.
She said blankets could actually collect moisture and causes your pets blankets to freeze; she said wood chips are the answer.
"They need to have some sort of dog house to keep them out of the wet weather, snowy weather, icy weather, out of the wind which is all the time here," she said.
Payne along with veterinarian Tim Polk said whether its a dust storm or winter weather its best to have your pets inside if at all possible, but if not shelter is key.
"Shelter, make sure their water doesn't freeze and just watch them," he said, "don't just leave them in the back yard and not check on them."
Polk said he's treated dogs that have suffered from being in harsh weather including frost bite, dehydration and even thermal burns because of heat lamps.
"It's a Texas state law that a dog can not be tethered," said Payne
Whether it's a rope, a chain or anything of the sort, during the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and during inclimate weather, Payne said it's illegal.
"You need to call us, the South Plains SPCA and we will get the correct authorities out there," she said, "or you can call Lubbock Animal Services because they will go out on those calls and make sure the animals are taken care of."
The South Plains SPCA 445-6317
Lubbock Animal Services 775-2057
