By Shay Seago, Staff Writer Pets can be seriously harmed or even killed when temperatures drop to below freezing. There are a few simple ways to prevent horrible accidents from occurring during this cold time of year. “In an ideal world, all dogs and cats would be indoors with their family,” said Rosy Cozart, from the Wetzel County Animal Shelter. “There are some animals that are outside for one reason or another for periods of their lives—some for legitimate reasons, and some for made up, convenient reasons.” If it is not possible to bring animals inside when the mercury drops, Cozart urges pet owners to follow a few simple guidelines to keep their dogs and cats healthy and warm. “These animals must be properly cared for and given all the protection from the elements and care and attention that is humanly possible to make their lives worth living,” Cozart said. Animals suffer tragic effects of intense cold, such as frostbite, numbing wind, frozen water and blowing snow during the winter. This can be prevented with a proper straw filled shelter. The straw will help retain body warmth so a dog or cat will not freeze. Many people use cedar chips, but oil in the cedar causes respiratory infections and, because of that, should not be used. Hay and rags or blankets should not be used either because hay does not hold heat and rags become wet and freeze. Plus, dogs often drag rags outside so they become a toy instead of a way of keeping warm. Many people may not realize that plastic, purchased dog boxes have holes in the bottom so they can be easily hosed clean during the summer, but when winter comes, the moisture soaks into the plastic and causes the boxes to freeze. Since plastic is not a good choice for a winter shelter, wooden boxes are the best option. The wooden box should be built a couple of inches above the ground so cold and wetness does not get into the box. Cozart said a good place for a dog or cat house is usually against a building, or any place where the wind is broken. Boxes placed inside kennels or fences are the best choice because chains often get snagged on an object in the yard, preventing the pet from moving or reaching its shelter, food, and water. “Water freezes at 32-degrees, so use your own judgement and conscience,” Cozart said about when the proper time to bring an animal inside would be. “We see dogs that die of heat and cold.” Cozart said it is not true that if a pet is brought inside for a little while to get warm and then put back outside, it will become colder and more harm is done than good. “It is okay to bring them in and then put them back outside,” Cozart said. She also said that some dogs can withstand the cold better than others. For instance, chihuahuas and mini pinschers have short coats and become cold very quickly, while St. Bernards and huskies can tolerate cold temperatures. Adequate food and water is also very important for a pet’s well-being when the temperature is cold. Food and water help keep the animal’s metabolism high so his body can stay warm. Heated water bowls are available to ensure water does not freeze. Some animals may be eating well, but still become skinny because of worms. When this occurs, it is impossible for the animal to stay warm. Pets with visible ribs and backbones should be taken to the veterinarian for care. Dogs and cats suffer in many ways when they are outdoors with no attention and improper shelter. The elements can be brutal, so when furry friends start shivering or showing signs of hypothermia, they should be taken for professional treatment immediately. Frostbite also occurs quite often on feet and ears and should be treated as soon as possible. Cozart said she sees pets die and become so injured from the elements that they have to be euthanized. She also wants to remind pet owners that there are laws about animal well-being. Animals who have proper care during extreme temperatures have an overall better quality of life than animals who are forced to withstand freezing cold or extreme heat without shelter or a way to protect themselves from the wind.