Freezing Danger for any outdoor Pets

Discodog

Please be advised that temperatures are set to drop even lower next week. One forecast site is showing -4c as a daytime temperature for "warm" Galway. Night temperatures could easily reach -10 & lower. There is no sign of warmer weather.

These lows pose a serious health risk for most animals. Move any small animals into sheds/garages & cover hutches in blankets etc. Dogs need to come indoors or at least in warm outbuildings & they may need more food - shivering uses up a lot of calories. With daytime temperatures staying so low animals will not get a chance to warm up.

votejohn

oh my god thats crazy! I thought the worst of the weather was over!

Its the stray animals that I worry about! Hopefully if anyone comes across any they will take them in.


BBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

SarahSassy

Its very upsetting to think that people would leave animals out in that weather... They dont deserve them if they do.

Discodog

I personally know of 6 dogs within half a mile of me who are outside, on short chains, & only have an open fronted kennel for shelter. Their owners do not care at all. One of them leaves the door open on an old car so that "the dog can get in out of the cold". Try sitting in your car for a while with the engine not running & the door open.

Plenty of "caring" owners will have the dog sleeping outside in his "warm" kennel. Get a cheap digital thermometer & you may be surprised at just how cold your "warm" kennel really is.

My two sleep in a small conservatory. Last week the indoor temperature fell to 7c at night which is why they each have an electric heat pad. The pads are cheap to buy, very cheap to run & make a huge difference. They are available in two versions, a metal plate for dogs that chew & a flexible pad for dogs that don't. The pads run via a low voltage adapter so they are totally safe & they use about 12 watts which is nothing.

An individual Pad out of its velour cover:


Two Pads tied to the ortho foam to prevent wrinkling. A faux fur cover goes over the entire bed. Note that the pads do not cover the whole bed so there are cooler areas:


Finally a cheap thermostatic adapter switches the pads on at a preset temperature - available from B&Q. The pads only give off a small amount of heat & have overheat protection. They are widely available on ebay. The ones that I use are from Petnap:


Proof of the pudding is that even my Greyhound stays cosy & has nice warm ears in the morning. I tried using one pad but they kept pushing each other out of the way to get on the warm bit !

Kiya

Discodog... You're brilliant. where can I get the metal plate??? (oops, never mind, just saw your reference to petnap - thank you!)

I think its a fab idea as my little one cant help ripping out all her bedding (even if shes left for 20 minutes). Its her daily challenge.

Ive stapled bedding to the floor of her kennel and like magic, mins later its in the garden.

Christmas eve, she was left in the garden for 20 minutes while I nipped to the shop. (believe me, she did not want to be in the house)
I arrive back and the little twit is not in her kennel but in the middle of the lawn, curled up in a ball, shivering like crazy with sleet falling on her. :mad:

now if i could only buy her some sense....

cianer

The weather really is awful, our dogs normally sleep in the garage but they've been in the house since the colder weather started, now with the stormy weather the other half is seriously considering taking the 2 sheep into the house too I keep telling him that a straw filled shelter is grand and cosy for them and most sheep don't even get that but it doesn't stop him worrying about preveiling winds and checking on them 3 times a day :rolleyes: Don't think adding 2 non housetrained sheep to the 6 dogs and 2 rabbits already in residence in the house would be a good recipe for harmony!

Discodog

Kiya: The metal type are also made by Petnap & are on ebay - just type petnap into the ebay search. They come with good detailed instructions that you must follow. You need to ideally prevent the dog from touching the pad & you must not put too much bedding on top of the pad otherwise the heat will not penetrate through. I know someone who puts theirs in a tough, nylon, chew proof bag.

One drawback, it will come in a printed box which may give your postman a laugh. Mine could not believe that I had bought an "electric blanket" for a dog !.

Paul91

we had hot water bottles for the rabbits last year - they are coming into the puppy shed this year with plenty of straw

the puppies are in the kitchen overnight

Discodog

Pearl loves her heated bed but nothing beats this one:

CrowdedHouse

We use these they're pretty good.

Zap them in the microwave for 5 mins or so.
They retain heat for hours.

Handy where you may not have power for heat pads

Disadvantage - smallish and rock hard

http://www.snugglesafe.co.uk/heatpad.htm

cianer

CrowdedHouse wrote: »

We use these they're pretty good.

Zap them in the microwave for 5 mins or so.
They retain heat for hours.

Disadvantage - smallish and rock hard

http://www.snugglesafe.co.uk/heatpad.htm

Hmmmm.... Maybe should get these for sheep, might keep hubby from worrying

Discodog

The microwave pads are good if you have no access to power. I would try putting one outside at -10 to see how long the heat lasts.

Sheep worrying hubby better than hubby worrying sheep !

cianer

Discodog wrote: »

Sheep worrying hubby better than hubby worrying sheep !

Very true!

When we got sheep we swore we wouldn't make pets out of them, they were to mow grass and nothing else.... that lasted about 1 week before they got named, their own individual feed bowls, let into the rest of the garden cos we reckoned they were lonely, a summer shelter and then a double walled winter shelter specially built for them, despite their breed being from an island off the northern hebrides of Scotland! And who says city slickers don't make good country people?!! Neighbours thought we were soft in the head when we got vet out to look at one of their hooves, they reckoned the call out fee was worth more than the sheep, we couldn't have done otherwise though.

Paul91

could knit the sheep a wooly jumper

cianer

I think I'll take a moment to imagine that one.... :D:D:D

Discodog

Ah Memories. On one occasion a Boxer, a Saluki, 2 lambs, a fox cub & some baby wild bunnies, oh & 3 cats all spread out in front of a huge Aga. As each one got too hot they would move to the back & another would move to the hot spot. All except the Boxer who would just roast. Took up half the kitchen !.

Must see if the video still exists - definite £250 from "You've been framed".

Paul91

how about a jacket?

Discodog

Oh no !. I can just imagine every Irish sheep owner seeing the marketing opportunity !. Bord Bia would be a good one or maybe Coleman's Mint Sauce !

Paul91

cianer wrote: »

I think I'll take a moment to imagine that one.... :D:D:D

no need to imagine

Discodog

I would delete your internet history Paul - might be seen as an unhealthy interest in little woolie jumpers !. Reminds me of a Woodie Allen Film.

cianer

Discodog wrote: »

Ah Memories. On one occasion a Boxer, a Saluki, 2 lambs, a fox cub & some baby wild bunnies, oh & 3 cats all spread out in front of a huge Aga. As each one got too hot they would move to the back & another would move to the hot spot. All except the Boxer who would just roast. Took up half the kitchen !.

Now that would be well worth seeing!
As it is the sheep don't see why they shouldnt be allowed into the cabin my hubby works from during the day and they headbutt the doors. You should see him trying to explain the noise to the Americans when he's on a conference call - now they really do think we're backward!

Here's a pic of the two trouble makers, I think a nice red coat each would look great!

Paul91

not unless i type in "Velcro Gloves" as well - oh no wait, i just did

Discodog

You need to repair the link - Paul & I got so excited but no pic

cianer

Right, cant get pic to come up, here's a link...

http://www.cianer.com/images/sheep/masseyAndFerguson

Discodog

That doesn't work either. Maybe we are not allowed to post naked sheep for fear of arousing passions

Great names btw

cianer

Bloody hell, I'm just not having any luck! Will work on it.....
http://www.cianer.com/images/sheep/masseyAndFerguson.jpg

cianer

Finally!!

Discodog

Better warn Paul that they are really horny sheep !. Bad news it appears that someone put a hidden camera in Hubby's bedroom or was it Pauls !



Sorry off topic but fun !

cianer

He might need more than velcro gloves!!!!

Paul91

Discodog wrote: »

Better warn Paul that they are really horny sheep !. Bad news it appears that someone put a hidden camera in Hubby's bedroom or was it Pauls !



Sorry off topic but fun !

damn - i thought i'd destroyed that picture!

Paul91

Discodog wrote: »

You need to repair the link - Paul & I got so excited but no pic

did you see the picture here http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/1226364761_d12dc733c9.jpg

??

Discodog

I am trying to write a report on the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill & I just typed "sheep" twice instead of "dogs" - I am going to need a good proof read otherwise I will appear to be mad .......about sheep !

To get back on topic I have been told that coats can be a bad idea if they do not let the skin breath. Also they can flatten any natural insulating air pockets. The really big worry is a dog getting wet & then being out in this biting wind. With wind chill it is about minus 15c out there & if a wet dog goes into it's kennel & makes the bedding wet it may stay very cold.

Paul91

baaaa ;o)

send it on to me if you like, it's my job to find faults

star-pants

Discodog wrote: »

To get back on topic I have been told that coats can be a bad idea if they do not let the skin breath. Also they can flatten any natural insulating air pockets. The really big worry is a dog getting wet & then being out in this biting wind. With wind chill it is about minus 15c out there & if a wet dog goes into it's kennel & makes the bedding wet it may stay very cold.

I recently bought two coats for my dogs, they're just fleece on the underside and tartan/shower proof on the outside. We have the older dog cut in a puppy cut because we can't keep on top of her grooming (she really really hates it too which doesn't help) and she seems to feel the cold as she'd be used to her double coat -- so for the very bitter weather we're having I figured a little coat would be good for her for walks. Daisy still has her full thick coat but we will be getting it cut back in a few weeks so I don't want her suddenly freezing on walks (as she's still young and wouldn't have adjusted to the cold without her fur).
And as you said if they get wet and then it's cold - it's not good, so these are shower proof so should keep them dry.

cianer

I keep giggling when I think of the boys in coats And of Discodog trying to write a sensible report after that thread!

But you're right, coats (for any animal) are only good as long as they're dry. My terriers have 3 coats/jumpers each for swapping and drying, and I have 10 bales of dry straw waiting to go into the boys' shelter so there's always dry bedding. Mind you it doesnt stop them dragging it most of the way around the garden but I guess it's their straw to use even if I can't understand the purpose I'll just keep putting more in.

Discodog

I've given up ...for now. Anyway they are all on their short Xmas break - one month I think !. Mind you I do have some home addresses & private emails !.

I use goretex style breathable coats on my two but only for wet walks. Nothing worse than wet dog in the house taking hours to dry.

I did experiment with one on Pearl on a cold windy day - thinking that it would keep her warm, but she shivered. The key is movement. If they are walking/running they generate heat. It is being confined in a cold place that can cause problems. Also they need more food.

It is easy to buy very cheap digital indoor/outdoor thermometers that record the maximum & minimum temperature - Maplin have them. I would urge anyone to get one & put the probe at the same level & close to their dog's bed. In the morning you can see how low the temperature dropped to & if your insulation etc is having any effect. Also be very conscious of drafts which will generate wind chill.

As a guide remember that Greyhounds are supposed to be kept above 12c - very thin coats.

Paul91

cianer wrote: »

Mind you it doesnt stop them dragging it most of the way around the garden but I guess it's their straw to use even if I can't understand the purpose I'll just keep putting more in.

maybe they do it cos they know you will have to give them more and clear the mess therefore spending more time with them - i reckon they are more cunning than we think

Discodog

When I had the rescue/managerie/zoo I would have a day shelter & a night shelter for livestock. They would be let out of the night shelter & then I would close the door so that they couldn't wreck their bed & piddle on it etc. During the day they could use the more open day shelter for shade or rain & it had three sides to protect from wind.

At night they would be shut into the night shelter & could get the full benefit of being closed in & warm.

Could be more work for Hubby ?!.

Ambersky

I have an indoor cat but I like to spoil him and he loves his hot water bottle



It lasts ages and is often still warm in the morning.

Wish I knew about this for my poor dog before she died. She had a bit of pain in her bones and Im sure she would have loved it.

Discodog

Your pics not showing but you have raised another key issue. Older dogs need much more protection from the cold. Joints, blood pressure, breathing problems etc. will all be much worse if the animal is outside in this weather.

edit: it is now !.

I would love someone (I do not have one) to put one of these in a microwave & then in the fridge to see how long it retains heat when outdoors on a cold night. I used to use them a lot especially with orphans - even Badger cubs couldn't wreck them, but never outdoors at -10c. My concern would be if they lose heat at 5am when the temperature is at it's lowest.

The great advantage with the electric pads is that you can set it up & then forget about it. The thermostat will turn the bed on & off as needed. Good if you are out & don't need to worry about the dogs being cold.

Btw Petnap even do dog & cat beds with the heaters built in.

Sigma Force

Snuggle safe heat pads are great but they don't stay heated for long outdoors in this temperature. Deffo agree any smallies like rabbits should be at least in a warm shed with lots of hay (rather than straw) and vet bed etc.
Ideally indoors though.

Guinea pigs shouldn't really even be in a shed at this time of year they really should be indoors even if it's just for night time, eg if someone has a couple of guinea pigs and hasn't the space indoors at least take them indoors in the evenings in a good sized cat carrier filled with hay and water bottle attached they won't mind it as long as they have plenty of food.

Discodog

It's the bunnies & pigs that worry me. It's bad enough being stuck in a boring hutch on nice days let alone freezing in one on cold nights. People might hopefully think of the dog but many won't think about the smaller animals.

Please don't forget the wildlife. If anyone has badgers nearby then get tin of molasses (like treacle only thicker) heat it in a pan & add loads of peanuts. Allow to cool & set. The badgers will love you forever !.

The wind chill combined with sleet is totally brutal out there - it will be a short dog walk tonight !.

Sigma Force

Totally agree, brave man for walking them tonight our dogs won't even get out of their beds when the weathers like this.

Discodog

No choice !. I trained my two to poo in the rocks well below the tideline. It's nowhere near the beach or people & flushes itself !. The good news is they won't poo in the garden but the bad news is that I will have to take them out.

Sigma Force

Watch those waves wind has picked up.

Graces7

There is a dog about 1/4 mile away barking a lot in great distress. farm dog; old man; discodog gets the picture.

I have very limited mobility and have been iced/snowed in since 18th; temperatures up here are bitter

Y'day out for supplies, I got stuck on the way back..

The dog/farm is down a long boreen and looks impassable

I asked the first man who was trying to get my car out about the old man. saying had anyone checked on him and how worried i was.. needs diplomacy here.

He was totally uncaring; I hinted that someone needed to check.

Hoping that that may have been enough; if not then all I can do is leave a strong note in his mailbx at the road if can walk that far.

It beggars belief; dog will be tied up and outside in thick ice.

Discodog

Grace there is nothing to stop you phoning the Guards on the pretence that you are worried about the man. Just mention that his dog is out barking all day & you are worried that he may not be well. Ask them if they could say that they are just checking the old people in the area.

I appreciate that it is very difficult in your situation. It is virtually impossible to live in rural Ireland, care about animals & stay friends with your neighbours.

Graces7

Thanks; I have not heard the dog today... I said to the man on the road either the man was ill or the dog was being ill treated and that I would do something if the latter was the case.

It may have been enough! I have done this before and it has worked; but yes, if i hear it again I shall do that.

It went bad on us once and we got a very aggressive neighbour after that sadly as you know so well.

One of our dogs was an abused farm dog; we got that one away.

SUch a pained barking; how can anyone do that?

Discodog wrote: »

Grace there is nothing to stop you phoning the Guards on the pretence that you are worried about the man. Just mention that his dog is out barking all day & you are worried that he may not be well. Ask them if they could say that they are just checking the old people in the area.

I appreciate that it is very difficult in your situation. It is virtually impossible to live in rural Ireland, care about animals & stay friends with your neighbours.

Sigma Force

So people just don't care sadly, neighbours on on their 4th dog in the last few years..all the others they got bored off and couldn't be bothered with most recent one is a pup around the same age as our pup and the poor thing barks her head off half the night..presuming they had the pup in the house at first but first sign of winter and the pup was put outside. Luckily the dog has a thick coat and since the dog has a kennel etc. and the odd bit of attention nothing can be done.

I'm not against some dogs being outside, our collie has issues and will burst through windows to get out and is very settled but they have a large shed and have each other for company when we aren't around and we spend a lot of time with them etc. this poor thing is on it's own for hours and she's only about 8 months old still very much a baby.

TooManyDogs

Guineapigrescue wrote: »

So people just don't care sadly, neighbours on on their 4th dog in the last few years.

I have similar neighbours, they keep commenting on how they 'keep ending up with bad dogs'. Nothing to do with them getting a puppy, working all day and then in the evening them opening the front door and letting it out for the evening!!! It's the dogs fault it barks all day and causes accidents and hassle in the evening you understand, so they give it in to the pound and get a new puppy and on goes the cycle.... They seem to have given up now after about 5 dogs, long may it last.

Graces7

Fingers crossed; have not heard the dog now for two days...

Hardly dare write that..

Theyare very clannish up here and I am new....
So maybe my promise of action?

He has taken his sheep in near the house way back; we are above the snow line and bitter conditions with thick frozen snow.