Weather

Brutal Cold Kills 8 Puppies In Illinois

The owner didn't realize the dog was pregnant and left it outside in below-freezing temperatures, according to shelter workers.

KNOX COUNTY, IL — Eight puppies died the day after Christmas after a dog gave birth outside in the snow in Knox County, Illinois. The Knox County Humane Society said it got a call from a pet owner saying a black Labrador mix had given birth to a litter of puppies out in the cold on Dec. 26. The owner reportedly did not realize the dog was pregnant and kept it outside in below-freezing temperatures.

An animal shelter volunteer found all but one littermate had frozen to death, and the mother dog was also close to dying in the brutal cold.

"Her body temperature was very low. It was below 95, and that's when you start worrying about hypothermia in a dog. Her skin was cold to the touch, her ears were cold to the touch," shelter worker Curt Kramer told Fox 6 Now.

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoiswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoiswith free, real-time updates from Patch.


The adult dog and surviving puppy were surrendered to the humane society and treated for exposure, and are now doing well, according to Fox. They will eventually be available for adoption once they recover.

In Illinois, as frigid temperatures and below-zero wind chills continue, police offered these tips for keeping pets safe in the cold:

  • Keep pets inside when the temperatures are below freezing; don't keep them in a car.
  • Ensure outdoor pets have the proper shelter; make sure their water is not frozen.
  • After walks or anywhere that rock salt or other chemicals are in use, be sure to wipe off your dog's paws, legs and belly to prevent them from licking and ingesting those potentially dangerous substances.
  • Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Clean up any spills and consider using products containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
  • If your pet gets stuck outside for a long time, it can catch hypothermia. The following symptoms may noticeable: slow pulse; shallow breath; disorientation, collapse; and, unconsciousness. If wet, dry your pet thoroughly and them place warm water bottles, wrapped in towels, around your pet. The ears, paws and other poorly insulated parts of the body may have frostbite, do not rub or apply snow or water to these parts. Thaw the area slowly and get your pet to the vet.

Photo via Pixabay


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