The recent death of two dogs at a Rhinelander home..one from exposure.. has prompted caution from an animal rights group.
People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesperson Andrea Adelman says pets should be protected from the cold...
"....the biggest tip is when it's cold outside to keep animals indoors. Always make sure they're in a warm environment which is usually inside. If for some reason they can't be inside just make sure they have a dog house that is sturdy and insulated. Make sure they have warm straw bales that are in their dog house. Make sure their water bowls are not frozen over. Make sure their feed is fresh and clean...."
Adelman says if it's cold for you it's cold for the pets....
"....we've had at least 47 animal deaths(due to the cold) this year. Those are the ones that are reported. Most of them don't go reported. They die from hypothermia, they die from frostbite and dehydration when the water is frozen over...."
Adelman says smaller dogs are more susceptible to exposure and should have a coat. She says their paws can freeze, but they can be injured by salt that is used on sidewalks and roads.
A 20 year old Rhinelander man was taken into custody recently after police discovered a German Shepard that had eaten chocolate and died, but a pit bull had died of exposure to the cold.
