"Dogs can die because of the cold, people should take this seriously..." 

(Original article posted in 2018)

The moment the mercury starts to plummet, reports about dogs left out in the cold start pouring in; sometimes, the stories are horrifying.

In Salem, Massachusetts, someone left this dog tied to a bench outside the Northeast Animal Shelter in seven-degree weather.

In Detroit, Michigan, a man abandoned a Pomeranian mix outside Detroit Dog Rescue in the snow.

The dog did not survive. The rescue is looking for clues based on this surveillance photo. 

Watchdog Mary has been inundated with messages from people asking for advice on how to help dogs they've seen left outside, even chained to doghouses, in freezing temperatures.  

Some have called police and animal control only to end up outraged when officers decide a dog is not in danger, yet the animal remains to shiver in an icy yard.  

How cold is too cold for a dog to be left outside? When is it dangerous? When is it cruel? 

If it feels cold to you, it probably feels cold to your pooch. Don't leave them out.

Cold weather evaluation chart

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Massachusetts created this Animal Condition and Care chart.

Veterinarians devised scientific calculations to help evaluate when it’s too risky to leave a dog outside.

Veterinarian Lori Teller, an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Board of Directors member, told Watchdog Mary, "Dogs can die because of the cold. People should take this seriously." 

Dr. Teller explained there is a simple rule of thumb to evaluate these cases:

"If it’s uncomfortable for you to be outside, then your dog may not be that tolerant," she said. "If you have to bundle up, your dog may be cold too. If your dog looks miserable or is shivering, it’s too cold." 

A dog's age, breed, and the climate they are accustomed to also to play a role.

“What a Chihuahua in Florida can tolerate is different than a Malamute in Minnesota," Dr. Teller said. 

Tips on evaluating canines in cold weather

• Coat Type: A dog with a thin coat, like a Boxer or a Bull Dog, doesn’t tolerate cold as well as arctic breeds like a Malamute or Samoyed.

• Age: If a dog is older, they may have a difficult time in chilly weather.

• Signs of distress: If a dog looks miserable, is shaking, becomes sluggish, and is not responsive, that is dangerous. Call the police.

Should dogs be "outside" dogs?

Should dogs be kept outside or in dog houses? Many animal experts and rescue groups have the same answer, "The 1950s called, they want their dog care advice back..."

The consensus is no; dogs should not live outside.

"Even if it’s a sled dog, they need to be kept warm at night,” Dr. Teller said. “They can tolerate the cold for a longer period than other dogs, but they can’t tolerate it for any prolonged amount of time without having a chance to warm up."

And if you think, "Oh, my dog has a dog house..."

Dog houses provide shelter from wind, not temperature.

"If it’s really cold or a prolonged freeze, a dog house won’t be of tremendous help. Ideally, those animals would be brought inside,” Dr. Teller said.

Would you like to be outside 24/7 in the cold, rain, snow, or heat? Neither does a dog.

Then there’s the risk of a dog being stolen or encountering a wild animal, a snake, or an allergic reaction to a bee sting— it’s all dangerous.

Dogs are social creatures. They like having a family.

"I think most dogs like being inside dogs,” Dr. Teller said. “It’s not exciting to be a lonely dog in the yard by yourself. It’s not in the dog’s best interest to spend his life chained in a yard without social interaction, and it’s a risk to her physical health to be in temperature extremes." 

If you see a dog in questionable or dangerous conditions:

• Call your local police and animal control.

• Document the days, times, and conditions you observe.

• Take pictures and videos.

• The Humane Society of the United States has additional advice.

Tips for dog owners dealing with cold weather

• Put a sweater, coat, and boots on your dog.

• Do shorter walks and indoor activities for exercise.

• If your dog's activity level decreases due to the cold, they may need less food than usual. Make sure your pet doesn't put on winter weight.

• Be careful of liquids on the road; it could be antifreeze, which is toxic.

• Wipe road salt and anti-icing chemicals off your dog's paws.