At least four dogs have died in the Indianapolis area after being left outside in subzero temperatures.
Why It Matters
Millions of people across the country are facing frigid temperatures this week. Subzero wind chills hit parts of the U.S. over the weekend and early this week, although most extreme cold warnings have expired as of Wednesday morning.
Many of the weather alerts advised people to take care of their pets as the temperatures reached life-threatening levels.
What To Know
The deaths of the four dogs found outside were reported by Alyssa Lewis, co-founder of Peaceful Souls Animal Rescue and Recovery. The dogs died on the side of the road or were found curled up near people’s houses, according to Indianapolis’ WISH-TV.
A stock photo shows a dog chained outside in the cold.
klmax/Getty
If a dog spends too long outside in cold weather, it can get hypothermia, just as a human can. Symptoms of hypothermia in dogs are shivering, lethargy and a decrease in body temperature, the website BetterVet says.
The temperature considered too cold to have a dog outside varies depending on the breed, but some smaller, short-haired breeds can begin to feel cold when temperatures reach 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, according to BetterVet. Experts often advise people that if it feels too cold for them outside, it’s too cold for their pet as well.
You can also tell if a dog is too cold by feeling its ears. If the ears are cold, the dog is too.
As of Wednesday morning, a cold weather advisory was still in place for the Indianapolis forecast region. It was expected to remain in effect until midmorning, warning that wind chills could make the air feel as cold as 20 degrees below zero.
Darcie Kurtz, founder and executive director of Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO), told Newsweek that no new reports came in Tuesday of dogs that died overnight. The organization is sending teams out into the field on Wednesday to follow up on calls from concerned citizens about dogs that were left outside.
Kurtz said FIDO receives reports regarding stray dogs, as well as dogs that aren’t being properly cared for.
What People Are Saying
FIDO’s Darcie Kurtz told Newsweek: “Weather like this is life-threatening. If a dog is out there in poor conditions, we are going to call animal care services.”
A People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesperson told Newsweek: “If it’s too cold for a human, it’s too cold for a dog or cat. Animals left outside in the winter can suffer horribly and fatally from hypothermia, frostbite and exposure, and PETA encourages everyone to keep their animal companions indoors with the rest of the family. Anyone who leaves an animal outside with no shelter from the elements may be prosecuted, and PETA urges concerned neighbors to report neglect to authorities immediately, as it could save a life.”
Alyssa Lewis told WISH-TV: “Dogs are dying. Dogs died last night. They were found today that had frozen. They are literally dying on the sides of the road, curled up beside people’s houses.”
The National Weather Service’s office in Indianapolis said in a cold weather advisory: “The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible.”
What Happens Next
Temperatures in the Indianapolis region will start to warm on Wednesday, but they will return to single-digit levels on Friday. Then, a warming trend begins over the weekend as temperatures steadily increase to levels more average for this time of year. By next week, high temperatures will be in the high 30s or low 40s.
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