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Extreme Weather Conditions Exist For Animals Who Are

Outdoors

Extreme weather conditions exist for animals who are outdoors

for even a short period of time. The Prairieland Animal Welfare

Center has had several urgent telephone calls today to check on

the well-being of animals who are outdoors or who have limited

shelter. We have also had calls about animals who were left

outside in the extreme conditions and who have died due to

exposure.

Pet owners must take immediate action to be sure their pets

are safe and secure. Outdoor pets cannot handle the severe

weather conditions any better than we humans could handle them.

If it is 32 degrees or less bring outdoor animals inside. Pets,

especially small ones, can freeze to death in cold weather.

If you must leave animals outside, be sure they are in a barn,

garage, shed, doghouse, or other shelter from the wind and

weather. Line the area where the pets will be sheltered with

several layers of straw, newspapers, shreddies, or other

materials which are easily disposable. If animals are in a

doghouse or igloo, line it inside and outside with towels,

blankets, or other materials which will help shelter the pet from

drafts.

Be sure pets who are left outside have an opportunity to come

inside to get warmed up several times a day.

Use common sense with the care of animals during extreme

periods of cold and severe weather. Pets are as susceptible to

frostbite, freezing, and dehydration as we humans are when we are

in severe weather conditions.

Call the Prairieland Animal Welfare Center at 342-1275 if you

are aware of animals in the City of Galesburg which need to be

checked on.