Frigid temperatures bring risk to animals in St. Joseph County; how to keep your pets safe and occupied

MISHAWAKA, Ind. — These freezing temperatures are dangerous for humans and can be just as hazardous for pets.

Mud flap and other dogs and cats at the St. Joseph County Humane Society are doing their best to stay warm during this cold stretch.

This is a slower time of year for local shelters, with fewer volunteers, adoptions and rescues. The shelter has still been responding to calls about animals out in the cold. Fortunately, the executive director Genny Brown said, not too many cases have come in.

“Some of it is that some of it is animals being left outside without proper shelter, and that’s when we definitely intervene,” Brown said.

Staff at the shelter are doing what they can to keep the animals busy, limiting time outside because frostbite can set in within minutes, even for pets with thick coats.

“Pets are like people too. They get stir-crazy and cabin just like we do in the wintertime. I know my dogs, they want to go out and immediately come back in!” Brown said.

Brown recommends that pet owners do the same at home: keep trips outside short, clear paths in the yard and wipe pets’ paws when they come in.

“Some dogs are so small right now they’re getting lost in the snow!” she said.

In the meantime, puzzle feeders and frozen treats can help keep dogs occupied until warmer days and longer walks arrive.

“Get creative too, to find ways to keep your pets preoccupied in this cold weather,” Brown added.

Anyone with community cats should make sure they have a warm place to shelter. If you see an animal left outside in these temperatures, contact your local animal control agency for help.