Dec. 27—LIMA — Now that winter is here and many cold and snowy days could be ahead, local organizations have provided tips to keep animals staying outdoors protected from the elements.
On Nov. 22, the Lima Fire Department responded to an outdoor heated cat shelter on fire and posted a warning about the dangers of heating sources on Facebook. This prompted a discussion in the post’s comments about the best materials to use to make outdoor animal shelters.
When asked via Facebook about the necessity of heated shelters, Dr. Adam Ferguson, a veterinarian at Baker Animal Hospital in Cridersville, also mentioned the risks of using heating elements.
“Heaters create numerous risks in outdoor pet shelters. Their use may not be necessary if shelters are well-secured, constructed of appropriate materials, insulated, and of proper size,” he wrote.
Ferguson said a shelter is part of the basic necessities for animals and humans alike and mentioned some materials it could be made out of.
“A shelter of nearly any material will at least keep a pet out of direct wind. Depending upon how it is built, and in what direction any openings are facing, our tenants may still have to deal with wind. But by virtue of being a structure with some sort of walls (think: storage tub), the wind can be somewhat neutralized,” he wrote. “An even better shelter (think: Styrofoam cooler) will add insulation to those walls. This further protects from the wind, but also allows the animal’s own body heat to help warm the shelter. If more than one animal shares the shelter, the additive effect of body heat is beneficial.”
“Size matters when choosing or constructing a winter shelter for our backyard buddies,” he continued. “Too big of a shelter may not allow the pet’s own body heat to make much of a difference. Too small and part of the pet’s body may be exposed to the elements or it may not have enough room to get out of the wind or water blowing in the door.”
In a Facebook post, the Ohio SPCA also provided outdoor animal shelter tips.
“Provide a sturdy, insulated shelter elevated off the ground. The shelter should have a floor, three sides, a roof, and an entrance covered with a flap of material to block wind. If you add a flap of material over the door, be sure your dog isn’t frightened of the new material, keeping it from going inside of its shelter to get out of the elements. Add straw inside and around the shelter for extra warmth — avoid using fabric as it can freeze when wet. The shelter should be just large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down while retaining body heat.
“Outdoor animals burn more energy to stay warm. Provide extra food and ensure their water supply is unfrozen,” the organization wrote.
Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.
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