Every winter word gets out through news stations, the internet or your neighbors that an animal has been found injured and suffering due to exposure to the cold. During especially cold winters these stories can be frequent, even daily. It may be a pet that someone failed to bring inside, dogs or cats that were dumped on the curb and left to fend for themselves or possibly a lost pet.
The stories can be heartbreaking, but they are avoidable. Winter in Northeast Ohio is a time for everyone to watch out for those in need.
If you have pets that like to be outdoors, be sure they have access to a solid shelter or your home or garage during the cold winter months. If the weather is such that you should not be outdoors for an extended period of time, neither should your pet.
Animals seen tied up in a yard or wandering the street may need help, and information is available regarding the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia to pets left on their own. You do not have to be the caregiver or be in a position to foster an animal to help. Your local human society or veterinarian can advise you as to what you can do to get an animal out of the cold.
Lake Cable Animal Hospital provides education on proper care of animals in all types of weather as well as what to do if you find an animal in distress. Click here for more information.