Lincoln Park Homeowner's Association

COLD WEATHER PET CARE

Jan 08, 2007

Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control reminds pet owners that any animal kept outside must have access to food, water, and shelter at all times. The animal and its shelter must be located on dry ground that is mud free. They offer the following five-step checklist for a warm, dry shelter.

1. The shelter must be specifically designed to shelter an animal and be free of leaks to wind, snow, and rain. Face the opening of the shelter to the east or south away from prevailing winds or fasten a heavy door flap to the top of the doorframe.
2. Relocate the animal?’s home from its summer, shaded area to a warmer location in the sun.
3. A snug inner room can be created using a removable partition inside the doghouse in back of the door opening.
4. Use straw or cedar chips for bedding. Towels and blankets are insufficient because cloth draws moisture. Hay is not suitable bedding because of mold.
5. Insulate the animal?’s house. Raise it several inches above the ground, preferably on concrete blocks to prevent snow from drifting inside. Frame the elevated area with boards to prevent winds from gusting under the animal?’s house.
In addition, animals need extra food to help generate enough body heat to stay warm. Animals living inside an unheated garage must have a shelter inside the garage. Provide clean, unfrozen water at all times. A heated water bucket is a great investment.

Keep cats inside at all times. Dogs and cats must wear the required city pet registration on a properly fitted leather or nylon collar. Bring dogs inside during extreme cold spells because animals are very susceptible to frostbite and can quickly die of hypothermia if left alone outside. City residents are encourage to contact the shelter at 427-1244 if they see dogs or cats running loose or without proper food, water, or shelter. County residents should call the Sheriff?’s Department at 449-7491 or 449-3000.