Animals In Oklahoma Suffering From Being Kept Outside In Freezing Temps

Over the last few days, there have been numerous reminders for pet owners to bring their animals inside. However, the constant barrage of comments from some owners claiming their dogs "love this kind of weather" and the casual attitude to leaving them out has unfortunately caused some animals to suffer. This needs to stop.

Another Animal Spotted Frozen To Death Inside Doghouse Outside of OKC

Someone outside of Oklahoma City captured photos of a poor, lifeless animal left on the side of a road inside one of the typical outdoor dog houses that most people buy for their dogs. The photos were captioned with another all-too-familiar story of the animal being left outside in the below freezing temperatures.

From the photos, you can tell that the dog was not a shorthaired, hard-to-survive-the-cold critter. Its beautiful thick white and cream coat lay still just at the entrance of the straw-filled container. Seeing the animal left discarded on the side of the road just goes to show that some folks should not have animals.

And, personally speaking, those who cannot discern what is best for the animal versus what might make the animal happy are on the list of those who shouldn't have them.

Stop Excusing Abuse For Thinking You're Making Your Pet Happy

@jaysunflowerss He refuses to come inside #oklahoma #oklahomaweather #snow #oklahomasnowstorm #chickasha #husky #snowstorm #huskyinsnow #dogsoftiktok ♬ Monkeyshine-JP - Lt FitzGibbons Men

Regardless of breed, demeanor and personality, there are limits to an animal's ability to withstand cold temperatures like what we've experienced these last few days. Especially when you consider that most animals that live in Oklahoma are not adapted for extreme temperature changes.

On average, most double coated breeds can handle freezing temperatures for 30 minutes up to an hour. Of course, that's with the ability to get out of the wind, stay dry and retain heat.

Single coated breeds are less tolerant of the cold and cannot withstand these temps for longer than 10-15 minutes maximum.

What Happens To A Dog Left Outside Too Cold For Too Long?

These animals will experience one of the worst deaths if left outside in these conditions.

While laying outside, their body will try to keep blood flow to the most important parts of the body, which are the organs and central parts of their body. Over time, as the blood moves away from these limbs, appendages and other areas, they'll feel a constant burning sensation that won't go away until they're warm.

Over time, ther heartbeat begins to gradually slow, capillaries shrink and after losing the ability to think, to control their urine, to have any energy to breathe any longer, they eventually pass away with the last bit of their energy trying to preserve their life.

Final Thoughts: Oklahomans Need To Do Better

In my opinion, there is no question that animals - regardless of breed - should be left outside for long periods of time. Yes, there are livestock gaurdians out in these conditions. But they have access to sheds, barns, and shelters with their livestock that get them into a safe area.

It is nowhere near the same as leaving your lab or pitbull mix in the back or front yard, restricted on a tie line, to bundle into a circle and suffer the way these other animals have.

Oklahoma pet owners - do better.