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Expert: - 11/9/2011


Question
I may be overreacting so before contacting animal control, wanted to ask you this. I live in an apt. complex and someone keeps a small, young dog, enclosed outside in a very small area using chicken wire, too small to exercise. But my concern is the temperature outside. She leaves it out all afternoon and beyond. It's been in the 40's during the day, which is ok. But right now, it's 6pm and the temperature is 34 degrees. Is this ok or safe for the dog to be kept outside in that cold? She does take it in at night, though I don't know at what time. What if it were freezing, 32 degrees? I'm just an animal lover and didn't know if this is considered acceptable or not. If not, I'll report it to animal control. Thanks

Answer
Well, I did some research for you and there are not definitive temperatures since every animal is different. I would say that under 30 is starting to push it, and that includes wind chill.  Before you call animal control, maybe you could see why the dog is left out. Maybe they can't afford a dog walker (maybe a teenager would be affordable). I love to pair up elderly people with working couples/singles. The older person is being responsible to not commit to 15 years of caring for a dog and may not have the money, yet yearn for the companionship. The worker can afford the dog but are not home to play with it all day - a daycare match made in heaven. Had they thought about a shelter (with a good shelter the puppy could be ok down to single digits)? Maybe you could help them find a good shelter for their pen.

Only if they are nasty/belligerent/continue leaving the pup out in colder weather should you contact animal control, who are very busy.

Thanks for your concern for this young dog.  

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Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

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