January is Unchain Your Dog Month. It also brings out animal laws put out by animal welfare that keeping dogs chained for a significant amount of that is illegal.
Cold weather can add extra hardships on your dog – as they can suffer from frostbite, exposure, dangers from predators, dehydration. Yes, even dehydration can happen in the cold months!! Chaining and tethering refer to tying a dog to a stationary object (tree, fence). Chaining usually involves a heavy chain while tethering uses a light chain or rope.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, a dog that is chained up is three times more likely to bite an approaching human
There are ways to help your dog Battle the Cold:
- Bring your dog inside!
- Put a coat or sweater on them when they do go outside
- Raise their dog house off the ground, put a flap over the door, put hay or blankets inside the doghouse to help keep them warm
- Check the tether so it won’t gt tangled
- Provide extra food, water, toys and treats
- Remind the owner if it is too cold or hot for them, its too cold or hot for their dog
- Offer to take the dog to your own house to play indoors
- Ask local police or animal control to do a “well visit” on the dog and owner
If you think a dog is constantly outside in harsh weather, SPEAK UP!! The owner may not know the dangers of weather conditions, predators or the psychological damage that could be inflicted while being chained outside!
“Celebrate the Unchain A Dog Month by having dog parties, dog festivals, and let your dogs play”. Indoors. (unknown)
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