Don’t forget those animals as frigid temps and windchills are expected in the coming days. If you don’t take cold weather precautions, outdoor pets will suffer.

--- Bring Them Inside

While it is the best practice to bring pets inside, if they have to be outside, make sure they have proper protections from the cold. Huskies and Pyrenees can tolerate winter conditions well because their thick coats provide insulation for cold climates. Pit mixes, with thin coats and bare underbellies, shiver easily and need to be indoors or at the least provided well insulated shelter. Puppies and elderly, frail or sick dogs are especially vulnerable to winter weather, and need extra protection.

--- Provide Shelter

Access to an insulated doghouse, garage or shed when temperatures drop below 45 degrees helps keep your dog warm. Dogs accustomed to indoor living or temperate climates should not be left outside in freezing temperatures. Make the shelter accessible. You may not be at home when temps drop below freezing.

--- Insulate Shelter

A plastic or wood doghouse can help protect them from the wind, but it doesn’t keep them warm. You need to insulate any outdoor shelter with straw bedding - not hay. It needs to be stuffed full - all along the sides and back. The dog needs to be able to burrow down inside. Bales are usually $10 or less at local feed stores and will stuff 3-4 doghouses. Do not use blankets/cloth to insulate a shelter. The fabric absorbs moisture from the air and makes the pet colder.

--- Water

Always ensure pets have access to fresh, unfrozen water.

- If you see an animal suffering in the cold temps, contact local animal control or police. Our team works hard to make contact with animals reported to us, but we’re primarily volun- teer based and have no legal authority to remove animals from owners. In many cases, the person/reporter who sees the animal struggling is in the best position to help by offering up a warm garage, some straw for a dog-house, or other assistance.