Hay’s for horses, straw’s for paws.
As temperatures drop near and below freezing, Pine Bluff Animal Control officials ask residents to bring their pets inside or stuff their outdoor dwellings with straw.
Jefferson County experienced temperatures that got down to as low as 13 degrees last week, temperatures Animal Control Director Marcus Graydon said can be potentially unsafe depending on the pet’s age, health and breed.
Specifically speaking about dogs, Graydon said, weather poses one of the biggest threats.
“They can be outside but we do ask that whatever housing they are in to have plenty of straw because straw doesn’t hold water,” he said. Graydon said he does not recommend hay or blankets as hay will retain moisture and blankets will freeze.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“With the straw, it holds their body heat,” he said.
Graydon also said to check their water every two to three hours. “Depending on how cold it is, the water will freeze,” he said. “Check on your pets periodically.”
Graydon prefers pets to be brought inside a building or garage. “If you have a building, that’s even better because it will block out the wind but still put the straw in the building to regulate the body temperature,” he said. “I don’t recommend having puppies out there because they can’t regulate their body heat like that. With puppies, I would recommend bringing them on the inside of the home.”
The Jefferson County Human Society also offered quick winter pet dog house tips. Those tips are:
Turn the house facing away from the direction the wind is blowing.
No blankets. Towels or dog beds.
Use straw for insulation.
Stuff the dog house with more straw than you think they need.
Pitbulls and pit mixes (short, thin-coated dogs) are not made to withstand freezing temperatures outdoors because their body fat percentage is low.
Graydon said pet owners may have a preference if they are adamant about not having their dog inside of the home because it is not house-trained. “I would love to see every dog be inside their home,” he said. “If they are outside, make sure they are where the wind can be blocked and a bunch of straw. As long as they have those elements they should be fine. You can even cover their entrance for further blockage of wind.”
Paying attention to your dog’s body language is a factor Graydon said will help a pet owner determine if the dog is too cold for comfort. “Just check on your pets like you would anyone else that doesn’t have heat,” he said. “If you see your dog shivering bring it in the inside to let it warm up and bring their temperature back up.”
Hoping for favorable weather soon, the Pine Bluff Animal Control staff are looking forward to their Valentine’s Day: Give A Cup Of Love event on Feb. 10, at the shelter located at 901 N. Haverty.
“People can donate $5 to show the dogs some love with a sweet treat,” said Graydon. Graydon said a dog would receive a cup of whipped cream with every donation.
“We’ll be going live from noon to 2 pm,” he said. “If people want to come out and donate in person they can stop by the shelter or pay by phone.”
Also that same day, Best Friends, a nonprofit organization that partnered with the Pine Bluff Animal Shelter last year, will be hosting an adoption event at the shelter.
Best Friends’ assists the animal shelter to reach and maintain a 90% or higher saving rate. Graydon announced new services that the shelter will be providing this year. “The adoption fee will increase to $100, which includes the spay or neuter fee and a microchip,” he said.
According to Graydon, microchipping your pet helps them when they are lost or stolen because it gives them the best chance to be identified. “Lots of dogs don’t have tags or their collars come off,” he said. “Microchips are permanent.”
However, Graydon said if a microchipped dog changes ownership, the new owner must come to register the microchip in their name.
Graydon explained that anyone interested in adopting and would like to see what the shelter has can visit their Facebook page or look the shelter up on petfinder.com. For more information about how to adopt an animal call (870) 543-5135 or visit them Monday through Friday at 901 N. Haverty Street between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
According to the Jefferson County Human Society, if any Jefferson County residents need a doghouse call and leave a voice message at (870) 247-2677.