Keep pets warm and safe when the mercury drops

With near-record subzero temperatures forecast this week, animal experts in the Flathead Valley advise residents to take extra precautions for their pets. Cats, dogs and larger animals, while more adaptable to the cold, are all at risk of exposure and other health complications.

“A good rule of thumb, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog,” said Christi Knowles, animal care and facilities director at the Humane Society of Northwest Montana.

Dogs and cats can both get frostbite on their ear tips and their paws. Snow can build up in the pads of their paws, prolonging the direct contact to the cold. To prevent this buildup of snow, Knowles has an easy tip. Simply rub petroleum jelly on the bottoms of their paws before they go outside, or invest in a pair of booties.

Inadequate shelter is also a major concern with increased wind chill and dropping temperatures.

Cliff Bennett, director at the Flathead County Animal Shelter, advises that a basic shelter isn’t enough.

“Animals need something with some insulation and a closeable door, even dog houses that are insulated, if they don’t have a closeable door, aren’t warm enough,” he said.

Bennett says a door can be as simple as a piece of carpet. Heat lights and plastic heating pads are also available at most pet stores.

“The dog’s own warmth can also melt the snow and then they will freeze to that spot, their skin will stick and could potentially be torn off when they try to get up,” Bennett said.

Severe dehydration is one of the more overlooked issues with colder weather, Bennett says,

“People forget they need water. Snow isn’t enough.”

Bennett recommends purchasing a water dish with a heating element to keep the water from freezing over, and if that isn’t an option, to pour boiling water into the bowl a couple times a day.

Niki Sevesind, Kalispell Police Department animal warden, emphasizes that the requirements vary based on breed, and short-haired dogs are more likely to get frostbite.

“The best thing for short-haired dogs is to come inside. That’s not required by law, but short-haired dogs, like dachshunds, run the risk of getting frostbite on their ears,” Sevesind said.

“The law does not give a specific temperature, it’s case by case and by officer discretion,” Sevesind said. “There is no black and white, but morally, you should keep a better eye on your dog.”

Montana’s animal cruelty statute states that a case for animal cruelty can be made if a person fails to provide adequate food, water and shelter to meet the needs of the weather conditions and the species.

Sevesind says that of the calls she receives, 95 percent of them are typically unfounded animal cruelty.

“But there is that 5 percent possibility of animal cruelty, which is why we investigate every call we get,” she said. “Sometimes responding to a call is even just about educating the owners.”

If a pitbull were left outside in below freezing temperatures, that might be cause for concern, but a malamute in those same conditions would be fine, Sevesind said.

“Be extra careful with short-haired dogs, that’s my main thing. Short-haired [dogs] seem to suffer the most around this time, you definitely need to be making sure they are staying warm, even if that means getting them a coat,” Sevesind said.

Dr. John Erfle, veterinarian and founder of Lasalle Equine Clinic, cautions that even horses and other livestock have different needs during cold snaps.

Erfle says that during a bitter cold, horses may need 20 percent more hay, as they, too, burn more calories to stay warm.

“People are more inclined to be using their horses and feeding them in the summer, and in the winter they look for ways to minimize their time with their horses,” Erfle said.

Erfle also said that, like dogs and cats, horses require a heating element to keep the water from freezing over.

“Sometimes stray voltage can enter the water and the horses will experience some sort of electrocution. So be aware that if the horses aren’t drinking it — if you don’t see any tracks in the snow — that there might be something wrong with it.”

For pet owners who are unable to provide their animals with appropriate winter care, Humane Society animal care and facilities director Christi Knowles advises them to surrender their animals to a facility that can.

“There’s a stigma attached, and people feel guilty for being a bad pet owner. But I’d much rather have them contact us, because sometimes being a good pet owner is surrendering your animal,” Knowles said.

Knowles says there are many facilities in the valley that can take in animals, including: Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force, the Humane Society of Northwest Montana and the Flathead County Animal Shelter.

“Keep in mind that just because they’re dogs and cats, doesn’t mean they want to be out there,” Knowles said.

For more information on pet safety during the winter, or to report a concern for animal safety, contact the Kalispell Police Department Animal Control or the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office at 406-758-5585.

Reporter Alyssa Gray may be reached at 758-4433 or by email at agray@dailyinterlake.com.