A warm jacket, mittens and boots are essential winter wear as the temperatures drop to the single digits. We wouldn't think of sending our kids out to play without dressing them properly.
In fact, if we saw a child playing outside for an extended period of time without the right gear, we might think of reporting the parents for neglect.
Most people understand that cold weather is dangerous for humans, but many do not understand that it can be unsafe for animals too.
Over the course of the next few months, the Duluth Animal Shelter will receive dozens of calls about animals left out in the cold. Upon investigation of the complaints, we find dogs and cats shivering and rocking from side to side while picking up their feet in order to minimize contact with the frozen ground.
We come upon pets huddled under bushes and porches in an attempt to stay warm and out of the wind. Frost bitten foot pads, ears and tails are all too common.
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The laws is our state require that dogs kept outside have a shelter constructed of windproof material with bedding in order to allow the animal to maintain its body temperature.
Unfortunately, the law does not differentiate between breeds of dogs or coat types. There is no specific requirement for sheltering cats kept outside. This time of year, being an animal control officer can be especially frustrating and heart wrenching.
When we come upon a pet suffering out in the cold, while its human "caretaker" is comfortably inside a warm house, it's difficult to remain polite.
People who leave their pets out in the cold tend to be convinced that animals are meant to live outside and are not cold because they have fur. These people are rarely open to improving the way they care for their pets.
Sadly, the laws are often inadequate to protect animals in cold weather, and our ability to require people to keep their animals comfortable is limited.
Trying to appeal to people's sense of decency and compassion is often our only recourse for helping animals that are shivering and cold during the winter months.
If we are cold outside, without a jacket, our pets are too. The exposed skin on our pets' ears, foot pads, noses and bellies are especially vulnerable to frostbite. It is important to consider our dog's breed and hair coat when deciding how much cold exposure to allow.
Jackets are absolutely essential for some very short-haired breeds, and appreciated by most others. Any dog will benefit from wearing dog booties in the winter. Booties protect a dog's feet from the cold and from salt and other chemicals that are on the streets and sidewalks.
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Outdoor exercise, essential for the physical and mental health of dogs, can be done safely if the dogs are properly protected from the cold.
Cats, on the other hand, benefit from spending winter months in Minnesota strictly indoors.
Dress yourselves, your children and your pets properly and enjoy all that beautiful Minnesota winter has to offer.
If you know of an animal that needs help in the cold, please call the Duluth Animal Shelter at 723-3259. Have a warm, happy and safe 2008.
Carrie Lane is the lead animal shelter worker for the Duluth Police Department. The city's animal shelter is located at 2627 Courtland St. The shelter is open for dropping off, reclaiming and adopting animals between noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
