Cold Weather Tips Apply to Pets Too
There are plenty of cold weather tips for people, but let’s not forget about pets. There are some simple dos and don’ts regarding their safety too.
“Once we get into that sub-zero temperature range it’s dangerous for you,” said Zach Nugent of the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley. “It’s dangerous for your pet.”
Limit Outside Exposure for Pets
Tuesday morning in Brooklyn Park, an energetic black lab named Halie chased a soccer ball in a snow-covered back yard. The exercise is great, but pet-owners should not let dogs like her be out of the house too long in sub-zero temps.
“For dogs outside, quick potty breaks only,” Nugent said. “Even walks up and down the sidewalk can be a little much once we get into these temperatures.”
For pets, the frigid elements can take a toll. Animals get frostbite too.
“Tip of the ears, tails, paw pads, those extremities just like us are going to be those first things that really become susceptible.” Nugent said. “Especially when you are talking double digit negative temperatures.”
“Can’t Remember This Kind of Cold”
On a typical January day, canine traffic would be the norm at dog parks in the northwest suburbs. On Tuesday Jerry Huffine and his pooch Strider were the only ones at Brookdale Dog Park in Brooklyn Park over lunch hour.
“I can’t remember this kind of cold,” Huffine said. “It’s been a long time. You got to get them outside. Dog parks are great. They can run, get their energy out really quick and get home.”
As for the deep freeze, Strider wasn’t fazed. But Huffine kept a close eye on him, looking for clues, just in case Strider had trouble dealing with the North Pole-like weather.
“Shivering is number one,” Huffine said. “That’s bad. Get him inside quick and they get the ice under their paws too so they start limping. That’s bad. Get him inside quick for that.”
The good news for pets and people is dog parks should be packed on Saturday. The high is expected to be 40 degrees.
