When snow glistens on the ground, dog-lovers across Williamsburg aren’t just thinking dressing their pets in warm sweaters—they’re concerned about how the cold can harm their four-legged friends.
Earlier this year, Virginia passed a bill that put tighter regulations on tethering animals outdoors, especially during inclement weather. The new bill also addresses the need for adequate shelter during all types of weather, including the winter.
“It’s not just heat that can be dangerous for dogs,” said Alan Turner, assistant chief for York County Fire & Life Safety. “Chances are, if you’re cold then they’re cold.”
Owners are required to provide a shelter for the dog that is not only fitting to the animal’s size, but that has the proper protection from outside elements. Simply leaving a dog on the porch or chained to a tree under an awning isn’t considered adequate, said Capt. William R. Tydings, of the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office animal control division.
Proper shelter means providing an insulated space, either with blankets or bedding, Tydings said. Dog houses with insulation can keep the pets from life-threatening exposure.
“Just like any person they can get hypothermia,” he said. “What has to be considered is the windshield. If they don’t have protection from that, it can get freezing very quick.”
Turner said the call volume for reports of improper care for animals goes down in the winter most likely because less people are outside.
When officers receive a call about an animal outside in the cold, Turner said usually it’s because the owner doesn’t realize what they’re doing is harmful. The first step is to educate the owners and teach them proper winter care for their pet.
But if owners aren’t educated about preventative measures, the winter can be a very scary time for a dog.
When dogs are taking a stroll in the snow, Turner said owners should consider placing gloves or protective material over a dog’s paw.
“When they salt the roads, that salt can go into the animal’s paw pads and they will probably try to lick it out later,” he said. “But that salt can be toxic to a dog.”
Owners are also encouraged to regularly check their dogs’ paws for signs of cold-weather damage such as cracked or bleeding paw pads, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
In addition, the cold weather can increase certain medical conditions such as arthritis.
While most pet owners recognize the threat of leaving a dog in a hot car, cold cars can also be just as dangerous. During the winter, a car can cool down quickly and become like a refrigerator, according to AVMA’s website. Pets that are very young, elderly or underweight are especially susceptible to the cold weather.
“When taking care of your dog, just think about how you would feel in the cold,” Tydings said. “If you think the weather isn’t safe for you, then it’s probably not safe for your dog.”
