Urgent Plea To Protect Animals in Freezing Temps

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (BWAR) warns that pet owners need to take immediate precautions to help keep their animals safe during the approaching sub-freezing temperatures predicted to hit Western North Carolina on this week. We wish all animals had indoor homes, but especially during this bone chilling cold we will be experiencing. However, we are realistic and know that many animals spend much, if not all, of their lives outdoors, so we must do what we can to make them safe and comfortable during the approaching brutally cold temperatures,” said Denise Bitz, founder and president of BWAR. Here are some animal safety tips to take into consideration: Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended, especially when the temperature gets below freezing (32º F). Frostbite is a threat to animals exposed to harsh, cold weather.
Never leave a pet alone in a car during cold weather. Cars hold in the cold like a refrigerator and your pet can freeze to death.
Keep pets away from antifreeze and promptly clean up any spills from your car. Antifreeze is a lethal poison for pets, even in tiny doses. Unfortunately, animals are attracted to its sweet taste.
Keep your cats inside. Cats can crawl into a warm car engine for shelter and can be seriously injured or killed when the car is started. Check under the hood before starting your car in the winter to chase away any hidden cats or other wildlife.
Wipe off your pets paws, legs, and stomach after being out in the snow or ice. Any salt or other de-icing chemicals that are swallowed by licking can make your pet sick.
If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness, or breed type (small or short-haired), take them outdoors only long enough to relieve themselves. Puppies do not tolerate cold as well as adult dogs.
Never let your dog off-leash in snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs often lose their scent in snow and ice and can easily become lost.

If you have an outside dog, please consider bringing them indoors to a garage, basement, bathroom, or ask a neighbor to house your dog indoors until the cold passes. If your dog must be outside, please ensure they have proper shelter that protects them from cold, wind, and rain, and bedding that insulates. Straw is the best choice for bedding â€" blankets or other fabric material does'ninsulate well and tends to draw in moisture. Also, if you have outside cats yourself or know of a colony of outside cats, there is an easy, inexpensive way to create shelter for them out of Rubbermaid containers. For more information on how make these or for assistance with community cats, please visit: www.bwar.org/resources 

If you see an animal in danger and you live in the city of Asheville, please call the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110 or if you live in Buncombe County call 828-255-5000. If you need assistance with doghouses or straw or want help improving the conditions for your outdoor animals during this cold spell, please call Brother Wolf Animal Rescue at 828-808-9435. Straw and doghouses are available on a limited basis, but BWAR will certainly try to help anyone who reaches out to us for assistance. 

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