NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — As temperatures continue to fall across the region, animal advocates are reminding pet owners that cold weather can be just as dangerous for animals as it is for people.
Over the weekend, five puppies and their mother were found abandoned along a roadside in Jessamine County. Marci Pendleberry, director of the Jessamine County Animal Shelter, said they were rescued just in time before the cold weather arrived.
“It’s the young ones and the old ones that you’re going to have trouble with,” she said.
Pendleberry explained that most pets can only tolerate freezing temperatures for a limited time before their health is put at serious risk.
“Their paws are at high risk of getting frostbite out there, and they can get hypothermia,” Pendleberry said. “If you notice your dog getting slow-moving or even stopping, get them inside and warm them up.”
She added that while indoor pets still need time outside, exposure should be limited to only a few minutes in cold conditions.
“Even the little, short-haired ones have to go out no matter what,” Pendleberry said. “Housebroken dogs need to get outside. So, we rotate them, set a timer, and bring them right back in.”
For pets that must remain outdoors, Pendleberry said proper shelter is essential to protect them from the elements.
“You need walls, a floor, and a roof, and you should put straw inside,” she said. “Straw won’t freeze like a blanket would.”
The Jessamine County Animal Shelter is working to provide temporary shelter for as many animals as possible, but Pendleberry said space remains limited.
“The last thing we want to do is euthanize due to lack of space,” she said. “We’re doing everything we can. If we can open up kennels as appointments come in, we can house these animals and get them adopted.”
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