The Brief
• The Coulee Region Humane Society is preparing for increased pet surrenders as dangerous cold weather forces difficult decisions for pet owners without shelter
• Blankets can be deadly for outdoor pets in freezing temperatures due to moisture buildup that can cause animals to freeze to death
• Pet owners should use straw instead of blankets and apply pet-safe petroleum jelly to paws to prevent frostbite
ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) — Dangerous cold weather gripping the region is raising serious concerns not only for people but for animals as well, prompting local animal welfare organizations to prepare for increased challenges.
The Coulee Region Humane Society is among many organizations bracing for the ripple effects of the cold snap. Officials say they have already seen an overall increase in pet surrenders in recent months, but they expect a surge during these dangerous temperature drops from animals left outside.
“Some of the unsheltered population have nowhere to go with their pets and they have nowhere warm. Some of the places warming centers won’t allow pets in warming centers we don’t have as many,” said Kathy Kasakaitas, animal control supervisor at the Coulee Region Humane Society.
The extreme weather forces pet owners without adequate shelter to make heartbreaking decisions about their animals’ welfare.
“They want to do what’s best for their pet so they make it as far as they can caring for their pet but when it gets to a point that they can’t they feel it’s best to surrender it and it’s a hard decision but we are here to help,” Kasakaitas said.
For pet owners who must keep their animals outside during the cold snap, the humane society is issuing critical safety warnings that could mean the difference between life and death.
Officials strongly advise against using blankets to keep outdoor pets warm, calling it a potentially fatal mistake.
“Do not use blankets,” Kasakaitas emphasized.
The warning stems from a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when pets breathe into fabric materials. Similar to how breathing into a scarf creates moisture that can freeze, blankets can become deadly traps for animals.
“We have honestly had pets in the past that have curled in blanket and froze to death in blanket as it got full of moisture and froze,” Kasakaitas said.
Instead of blankets, the humane society recommends using straw to provide insulation for outdoor animals. Straw does not retain moisture the way fabric materials do, making it a safer option for keeping pets warm.
Pet owners should also watch for early warning signs of frostbite on their animals. Dogs may lift their feet repeatedly, and paws may appear dry, cracked, or extremely red. Applying pet-safe petroleum jelly to paws can help protect against frostbite.
However, if pets develop black or blue paws, owners should take them to a veterinarian immediately, as this indicates severe frostbite that requires professional medical attention.
The extreme weather conditions highlight the broader challenges facing both the homeless population and their pets. With limited warming centers available and many facilities that do not allow animals, pet owners experiencing homelessness face impossible choices during dangerous weather events.
The Coulee Region Humane Society stands ready to assist pet owners struggling with these difficult decisions. The organization emphasizes that surrendering a pet during extreme weather is sometimes the most compassionate choice an owner can make.
Animal welfare experts stress that preparation is key during severe weather events. Pet owners should ensure their animals have adequate shelter, warmth, and protection from the elements well before temperatures drop to dangerous levels.
The current cold snap serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of both people and animals during extreme weather conditions. Local organizations continue to work together to provide resources and support for those most at risk.
For pet owners who need advice or are unsure about how to protect their animals during the cold weather, the Coulee Region Humane Society encourages them to call for guidance. Staff members can walk pet owners through steps to help keep their animals safe during the dangerous conditions.
The organization remains committed to helping both pets and their owners navigate these challenging weather conditions while prioritizing animal welfare and safety.
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