Northwest Wayne News

Detroit Animal Control (DAC) is strongly urging all pet owners to keep their animals indoors, especially during extreme weather conditions. With frigid temperatures and harsh wind chills sweeping the city, DAC emphasizes the importance of protecting domesticated pets from the potential dangers of freezing temperatures.

According to DAC, leaving pets outdoors for extended periods of time in below-freezing temperatures can be dangerous and even deadly. To ensure the well-being of pets, DAC advises pet owners to bring their animals inside. However, if pets must be left outside, Michigan state law requires that they are provided with adequate food, water, and shelter.

"Adequate shelter for dogs means a well-built, insulated, slant-roofed dog house," says DAC. The dog house should be large enough for the dog to stand and lie down comfortably, slightly elevated from the ground for air circulation, and have a door facing away from prevailing winds. It should also have a protective flap to eliminate drafts.

Furthermore, DAC recommends using clean, dry straw for bedding in the dog house instead of towels, rugs, or blankets. These items can absorb moisture and freeze in frigid temperatures. Unheated garages or sheds, dog houses that lack straw or are too large, and dogs tied out without proper shelter are not considered adequate.

To report pets left outside without proper shelter in Detroit, residents can call the Detroit Animal Control Hotline at 313-922-DOGS (3647).

Failure to provide proper provisions for pets can result in misdemeanor animal cruelty violations, including potential jail time, fines, community service, and loss of pet ownership.

DAC also provides guidelines for pet owners regarding the appropriate time to bring pets indoors based on temperature. Small or short-haired pets should be brought inside when temperatures reach 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit, while larger breeds or thick-coated dogs may remain outside with adequate shelter until the temperature drops to zero.

In addition to temperature, pet owners should also consider precipitation and wind chill when determining if it is safe for their pets to be outdoors.

For cats, DAC advises that they be kept indoors or brought into a warm, animal-proofed garage or shed during severe weather. Roaming cats may seek warmth under car engines, so pet owners are encouraged to knock on the car hood or honk the horn before starting their vehicles to startle the cats and give them a chance to escape.

DAC also recommends increasing the amount of food by 10-20 percent for dogs left outside during winter. The extra calories are necessary to help animals stay warm. Regular access to clean, unfrozen water is also critical, and pet owners should check the drinking water frequently to ensure it remains unfrozen.

If a pet appears cold to the touch or shows signs of frostbite, DAC advises moving the animal to a warmer area and contacting a veterinarian immediately. Frostbite can occur when a dog's body gets cold, causing ice crystals to form and damage the tissue. Signs of frostbite include pale or grey skin that may turn hard and cold. Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and slough off.

Hypothermia is another serious concern during winter weather. It occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold temperatures, or has poor health or circulation. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, cold ears and feet, depression, lethargy, weakness, slowed heart and breathing rates, and unresponsiveness. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening.

To protect dogs from frostbite and hypothermia, pet owners should pay attention to their behavior while outdoors. If it is too cold for a person to stand at the door without a coat, it is likely too cold for a dog. Signs that a dog needs to come indoors include whining, shivering, appearing anxious, and seeking places to burrow.

In conclusion, Detroit Animal Control is urging all pet owners to prioritize the safety and well-being of their animals during extreme weather conditions. By providing adequate shelter, food, water, and bringing pets indoors when necessary, pet owners can help protect their beloved companions from the potential dangers of freezing temperatures.