In extreme temperatures, your pets can be seriously harmed if left outside unattended, and you can face criminal charges if you do so. If it’s below freezing, your pet can get frostbite, hypothermia, and even die. In temperatures above ninety degrees, your pet can get sunburnt, dehydrated, and heat stroke which can lead to death.
Yes, many pets enjoy going outside for some fresh air, but if left outside for extended periods of time without necessities, great harm can be done. Leaving your dog or cat outside in extreme temperatures can lead to a first-level misdemeanor, and depending on the level of crime, can get you a one thousand dollar fine and two years in prison.
If for some reason you cannot take your pet inside, such as if they are destructive or aren’t able to be potty trained, contact your veterinarian and they can recommend you to a behavioral specialist, which can resolve those problems. Additionally, the recommended parameters for leaving your pet outside are that they have shelter, water, food, and some way to heat up or cool down, depending on the environment. Also, you should make sure that your pet is not neglected, and can have socialization.
If your pet has a health condition, always monitor them while outside, due to the fact they are more at risk with extreme temperatures. Brachycephalic dogs are also more at risk because they have a harder time panting to cool down, and get cold quite easily. Short hair, hairless, and smaller pets are also more at risk because they cannot stay warm as easily as larger pets, or pets with double coats. Additionally, pets with double coats are okay in slightly colder temperatures because they can stay warmer, but struggle more with high temperatures because in the heat they can’t as easily cool down.
Furthermore, in areas with climates that have all four seasons, you have to be careful of both ends of the temperature spectrum, because of the fact that there are often winters with temperatures below freezing, and often summers with temperatures above ninety degrees.
At this point, 23 states and the District of Columbia restrict the time that you can tether your dog. Sometimes this period is as little as thirty minutes. Some states say that you cannot leave your pet outside in freezing temperatures, during storm warnings, and during extreme temperature warnings. Make sure to check what the laws in your state are.
It should be noted that pets are just as vulnerable to extreme weather and temperature as we humans are, if not more so due to their smaller size and not being able to care for themselves. Pets rely on their owners for safety and protection, as well as on sustainable food, clean water, and suitable shelter. Many pets are left outside in extreme temperatures, and many of them die or get seriously hurt. Some pets that are left outside in temperatures below freezing and it snows or rains, can get frozen to the ground, get bloody paws, and even more damage.
As of right now, many animal associations can not take action against owners for leaving their pets outside, due to the fact that they have no legal powers. Because of this many pets are left outside in extreme temperatures and many of them die.
Don’t stand by and do nothing! Spread awareness. Tell your family, friends, and neighbors about the dangers of leaving your pets outside. Most importantly, if you see a pet left outside in extreme temperatures, take note of the type of animal, the time, the date, and the exact location. Taking a picture can help as well. Then you should contact your local law enforcement.
