Dogs Are ‘Freezing Solid’ in Frigid Temps And Rescuers Desperately Need Your Help

Some people believe that since wolves and coyotes can survive in arctic temperatures, domestic dogs can withstand temperatures just as cold.

Well, some breeds can. Arctic breeds such as Samoyeds, Great Pyrenees, Huskies, Malamutes, etc. have a harsh double coat that acts as insulation for them.

They were bred for generations to withstand cold temps, after all.

But the average domestic dog simply cannot withstand very cold temperatures.

It may seem to have fared all right, then succumb to another issue soon thereafter that most people don’t realize was connected to their exposure.

When temps recently fell to drastic lows, the human deaths it caused made headlines across the country, but not quite so greatly publicized were the pet deaths it caused.

A few horrifying examples:

A pet owner in Hartford, Connecticut, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty after police say a young pit bull chained outside her home was found “frozen solid,” the Hartford Courant reports.

Police said the deceased dog was malnourished and covered in feces. …just a nightmare.

Detroit Dog Rescue announced it was searching for a man who had abandoned a Pomeranian mix in a cage in front of the Michigan nonprofit’s facility at night when the shelter was closed.

The poor dog did not survive the night. Temperatures were so cold that fleas stuck to the dog’s body, according to ClickOnDetroit.

And it just keeps getting worse for our furry four-legged friends…

The Washington Post notes that at least four similar dog deaths occurred in Ohio over the past couple of weeks.

Animal welfare organizations are also seeing a significant rise in reports of animal cruelty, too.

Detroit Dog Rescue said on Facebook Tuesday that over a period of three days, it had received more than 600 calls, emails and online messages about dogs in distress.

It is indeed heartwarming to know that someone cares. But how distressing to know how little the animals owners care!

How could you leave your pets to die a horrible death, while you are warm and cozy inside, worried about nothing other than a possible rise in utility costs as the temperature drops?

New Orleans station Fox 8 reported Tuesday that the Louisiana SPCA’s phones were “ringing off the hook” with reports of pets left outside in the cold.

Indianapolis Animal Care Services said that it had received 264 calls about animals in the cold over New Year’s weekend alone and that the calls have continued to pour in, leading to response times that can be longer than a day.

Sad pointer dog in snow posing

Though many dogs enjoy playing in the snow and you may believe they don’t mind the cold, animal welfare groups note generally that if it’s too cold for you outside, it’s too cold for your pet.

If dogs or cats are remaining outdoors for more than walks and bathroom breaks, Best Friends Animal Society notes that they need warm, insulated dog houses that are raised up off the ground and always have dry bedding.

And if you care for outdoor cats who can’t be brought inside — like a feral cat colony — Alley Cat Allies has tips on creating winter shelters that can help keep them warm and safe.

Source: Huffington Post