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Don't leave your pets out in the cold

Thomas M. Kostigen
Special for USA TODAY
A dog peeks over its snow-covered fence on Tazwell Avenue in Cape Charles, Va. on Feb. 26, 2015.

Prompted by record-setting, low-temperatures this winter, many cities and towns are passing or enforcing laws that make the cruel practice of leaving a pet outside in the freezing cold a crime.

Michigan is looking to create an animal abusers' registry, much like a sex offenders' registry, that would require anyone convicted of animal abuse to register. Animal shelters would refuse adoptions to persons on the list. The bill, named Logan's Law in honor of a dog who died after acid was thrown on his face, passed the state House and is awaiting ruling in the Senate.

As reports roll in of puppies left outdoors to freeze to death or a dog that chewed off its own limb to get free from its chains, it's easy to understand why new animal cruelty laws are needed.

There is even a widening movement to treat pets with the same legal rights as people. In fact, lawsuits have been filed in New York to give animals with higher cognitive abilities rights to freedom.

It shouldn't take a judge to rule whether you should treat an animal humanely — that should be morally apparent. If it isn't, then criminal rulings and punishments should follow — and severe ones at that.

This winter's seemingly inhumane low temperatures, snowfall and wind are deadly reminders of our duty to protect ourselves, others and our pets. Extreme weather can make for cruel company.

Many pets need time outdoors, but in winter there are ways to make these cold and snowy experiences safe and fun. Here are some tips gleaned from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

• Animals should never be left alone in vehicles in cold temperatures. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them.

• Coming in and out of the cold often can cause itchy, flaking skin on your pet. Towel dry your pet after coming indoors and try keeping your home humidified.

• If your pet has long hair, trim it (especially between the pads). This prevents ice balls, salt crystals and chemicals from clinging.

• Don't bathe your pet as much during winter. Washing removes oils that keep his or her skin moist. Rubbing some petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside helps to protect from salt and chemical agents.

• Brush your pet more often. This stimulates blood circulation (not to mention fending off hairballs).

• Feed your pet more and provide extra water. Just like humans, animals dehydrate and burn more energy trying to stay warm.

• Try dressing your pet in a sweater or coat or use booties. I know, I know, but apparel helps to retain body heat and prevents skin from getting dry.

It's important to remember that just because pets have fur doesn't mean they do not suffer in cold weather. Even long-haired and thick-coated animals are at risk when temperatures drop. Shorter-legged animals can become more exposed as their bellies may come into direct contact with ice and snow on the ground.

As with people, younger and older pets are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures as are those with illnesses.

Lastly, as much as dogs like to frolic in the snow, do not let them off leash unless they are in a secure yard. Dogs can lose their scent after a heavy snowfall and get lost more easily.

Protect your pets and carefully mind their health as this extreme winter extends its grip and poses hazards for us all.

Thomas M. Kostigen is the founder of TheClimateSurvivalist.com and a New York Times best-selling author and journalist. He is the National Geographic author of "The Extreme Weather Survival Guide: Understand, Prepare, Survive, Recover" and the NG Kids book "Extreme Weather: Surviving Tornadoes, Tsunamis, Hailstorms, Thundersnow, Hurricanes and More!" Follow him @weathersurvival, or e-mailkostigen@theclimatesurvivalist.com

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