Windstorm sends stray dogs to shelter

The Humane Society of Central Oregon would like to offer some pet safety tips for the high winds hitting our area now. The Bend animal shelter has received 11 stray dogs Monday. If you have lost a dog, please check and report it to the Humane Society of Central Oregon at 541 382-3537.

Wind gusts and flying objects can injure or frighten pets. Take precautions to keep your companion animals safe and secure. Dogs and cats may run away or get disoriented when fences blow down, objects fall or fly in the wind or the noise of a big gust frightens them.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon offers these preventative tips during stormy, cold weather:

•Bring your pet inside during the storm and watch them when let outside.

•Check all fencing and lock all gates

•Bring your pet inside when the temperature drops to 32 degrees with the wind-chill factor.

•Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose, and feet if left outside.

•If your pet must be kept outside:

–Provide a dry, elevated dog house with clean dry bedding and a flap over the opening to keep drafts out. A doghouse should allow your dog to comfortably sit and lay down but small enough to hold in its body heat.

–Make sure the water bowl does not freeze. Heated water bowls are available.

-Outdoor pets need more calories to produce body heat.

•Make sure a cat has not crawled under your car seeking shelter and warmth near the engine. Tap on hood before starting the engine.

•Large Animals need winter care too:

-Provide a wind break and/or shelter for horses and livestock to block wind and rain

-Make sure horses and other livestock have clean, dry bedding.

-Make sure water in trough does not freeze.

If your pet becomes lost or you have found a pet, call the Humane Society of Central Oregon at 541 382-3537 or your local animal shelter to report it. The Humane Society wants to safely and quickly reunite pets with their families. For more information call 541 382-3537 or visit our strays page at www.hsco.org.