Animal advocates stress pet safety ahead of Mid-Missouri snowstorm

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Animal-welfare organizations are asking pet owners to take steps to make sure their animals are warm and safe ahead of a major winter storm that could dump more than a foot of snow on Mid-Missouri and drop temperatures into the teens and single digits. Experts say if you can, its best for your pets to bring them inside so they wont risk the chance of getting frostbite or hypothermia.

The Humane Society of Missouri's lifesaving motto for pets is "35 Degrees and Below, Protect Fido." The organization also encourages pet owners to follow the following steps to ensure their pet is safe:

• Bring pets inside: Pets cannot be outside for long periods of time in this weather. The common misconception that fur protects pets in cold weather is not true, the Human Society says. Cats and dogs are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite and should not be left outside in the cold for prolonged periods of time.
• Provide a cozy space: If there are no other options and animals are going to be left outdoors, owners should provide a well-insulated, draft-free, appropriately sized doghouse with a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy winds from entering. Adequate shelter is mandatory by law.
• Prevent pet injuries: Check your animal's paws for signs of cold-weather damage, such as a cracked paw pad, redness between toes and any bleeding, as well as chemicals such as rock salt.
• Layer up: If your dog has a thinner coat or seems bothered by cooler temperatures, consider a sweater or a dog coat. A wet sweater or coat can actually make your dog colder, so keep it dry.
• Schedule a winter wellness exam: Cold weather may worsen certain medical conditions such as arthritis.

Dr. Travis Arndt, Medical Director for the Humane Society for Missouri said once temperatures drop find alternatives for your pets.

"We have a saying, it's 35 and below protect fido, so once temperatures start dropping below 35 degrees, it's really time to start looking at what you need to do to take extra precautions to make sure your pet and uh animals have extra warmth extra shelter," said Arndt.

Signs that dogs are too cold include shaking or shivering, a hunched posture with a tucked tail, whining or barking, changes in behavior, reluctance to keep walking or attempting to turn around, seeking places for shelter and lifting their paws off the ground.

According to Peta, an animal rights organization, since 2020, 34 animals reportedly died from a cold weather-related reason. In low temperatures, experts say keep bathroom breaks short and often, check your dog's paw pads for signs of cold-weather damage such as a cracked paw pad, redness between toes and any bleeding.

Abby Roach, Co-Director for dog rescue organization Mo Wiggle Butts says if your pet is shivering and showing unusual behavior, listen to them.

 "If they don't want to be out there, they show signs that they want to go back inside, take them inside, give them that comfort," said Roach

Experts say if your pet must be outside, make sure they have good shelter, and straw with bedding for better insulation. The Humane Society of Missouri encourages anyone who sees an animal in distress to call the police and the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314-647-4400.