by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know by the time you read this there will be 72 days until Spring? That leaves a lot of cold, wet winter weather ahead. In an article called This Is the Point When Cold Weather Become Dangerous authored by Natasha Lavendar in 2019, she quotes David A. Greuner, MD, FACS, co-founder and director of NYC Surgical “It’s safe to be outside if the temperature is 32°F. If the temperature falls between 13°F and 31°F, you should take breaks from the cold approximately every 20 to 30 minutes. If wind chill temperatures are 13°F and below, you should remain indoors.” The article continues “Wet clothes can lead to a rapid drop in your temperature as water transfers heat away from your body more effectively than air, so you’ll get colder faster which can be a “fast track to hypothermia.”
It’s no different for pets. If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for your dog! Yes, there is a New York State law that requires proper shelter for dogs left outside in extreme temperatures. This law requires an owner to provide the dog with “shelter appropriate to its breed, physical condition and the climate” meaning the housing structure must have a waterproof roof; be structurally sound with insulation; be sufficient to protect the dog from inclement weather; be constructed to allow each dog adequate freedom of movement to make normal postural adjustments, including the ability to stand up, turn around and lie down with its limbs outstretched; and allow for effective removal of excretions, other waste material, dirt and trash including the area immediately surrounding to maintain a healthy and sanitary environment.
Failure to follow these guidelines are violations with monetary incremental fines and potential seizure of the dog which could result in the dog’s court ordered forfeiture.
Some people still believe that dogs are meant to live outdoors for whatever their beliefs. Thankfully there is a law that can be enforced.
According to an article in DogTime magazine “Hypothermia in dogs is an extreme lowering of the body temperature. It happens when pets suffer exposure to frigid temperatures for too long, or if they have wet fur in cold, windy environments. The consequences of sustained, severe hypothermia may include neurological problems (including coma), heart problems, kidney failure, slow or no breathing, frostbite, and eventually death”. Even furry dogs can get frostbite on their ears, toes and nose. To be safe, “be aware of how well your pet tolerates the cold. Very young pets, very old pets, small dogs, and those with short hair can be most susceptible to hypothermia”. The article ends with “Above all, use common sense. If it’s too cold for you to venture outside — even while bundled up — chances are the same goes for your dog”. And all other pets! “I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs.” – James Herriot
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Adoption application is available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information.
