Riley, a West Highland white terrier, wears a blanket to protect her from the cold weather. Dressing pets in warm clothing is one way to protect them from the winter chill.

As arctic temperatures continue to plague North Alabama, the Athens-Limestone County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to take extra care of their furry friends during this latest cold snap.

At near capacity, the shelter has taken in 17 dogs and cats since temperatures took a nose dive.

The shelter’s director, Priscilla Blenkinsopp, blames the weather for the latest surge in abandoned animals but said she would much rather take the animals in than see them exposed to the elements.

“Some of the animals were found freezing outside and brought in by good Samaritans or Animal Control. Others were dropped off by owners who could no longer take care of their pets,” Blenkinsopp said.

According to Dr. Robert Pitman, a veterinarian at Limestone Veterinary Clinic, an animal that is not used to being outside can freeze to death in a matter of 30–40 minutes. He also pointed out that the length of the animal’s fur and depth of their undercoat influences their ability to stave off the cold.

“The snow breeds do great in this type of weather, but I wouldn’t give a Chihuahua 10 minutes on a day like this,” he said.

Pitman said the best way to protect a pet during a cold wave is to bring them inside, but if that is not possible owners should do several things to keep their outside animals safe.

“They need to be kept out of the north wind (and) have access to shelter and some sort of heat source such as a heated blanket, pad or lamp,” he said. “Extra measures like these need to be taken once the temperature drops below 25 degrees.”

Access to fresh water is also crucial because animals dehydrate more quickly in cold weather and a bowl of water can freeze in under 10 minutes.

Blenkinsopp said that is where the shelter can step in and help pet owners.

“People can call us if they need a dog house, hay for bedding or blankets,” she said. “We’ll find a way to get those things to them.”

Animal lovers are encouraged to support the local shelter’s efforts by donating dog and cat food, blankets, dog houses or cash. Donations are tax-deductible and fund more than just the shelter — they also keep the program’s active foster and adoption program going.

From 10 a.m.–12 p.m. tomorrow, community members can get to know their local animal shelter — located at 1701 U.S. 72 East — during the organization’s annual Volunteer and Foster Appreciation Day. Visitors will get a chance to tour the shelter, meet staff, play with some of the animals and learn more about how they can get involved.

The Limestone County and City of Athens Animal Control divisions work closely with the Athens-Limestone shelter and Dr. Pitman to provide housing and treatment for neglected or stray animals. Tips regarding abused or neglected animals can be made to Animal Control anonymously.

Out on the farm

Household pets are not the only animals that get cold, either. Their cousins on the farm also require a bit of extra attention when the weather grows wintry.

Brian Geary, a small-scale farmer in west Limestone County, has taken several extra steps to protect his menagerie of goats, chickens and hogs. His main concern is water. Usually he waters his stock once a day, but lately he and his wife have been taking turns, bringing fresh water to the animals three or four times a day.

According to Gerry Thompson, the Regional Extension Agent for Animal Science and Forages in Belle Mina, farmers all over North Alabama are devoting a great deal of their time to breaking up the ice that has formed on the ponds and in the troughs where their animals get fresh water.

“A farm animal, like a human, can die if within a few days without any water,” he said. He also pointed out that sufficient water is essential to healthy digestion in horses and cows.

Extra food is also necessary, since cold weather means more energy is required to stay warm.

Since the cold snap hit, Geary has spent countless hours after work and on the weekends, hanging plastic sheeting on his chicken coops. The sheeting covers exposed areas and provides a layer of insulation for his nesting birds.

Thompson said that cattle generally fair well in cold weather because of their coats, but they do require shelter from the blowing winds and a dry place to bed. A stand of trees or building can offer protection from the wind, and he encourages farmers to have plenty of dry stray or hay on hand for cattle to bed down on.