Cold weather can spell danger for pets | Pets

For those with outside pets, extremely cold, wet weather can be dangerous. Here are some important things to remember as the temperature plummets. 

• If possible, keep all pets indoors. If not in the house, at least in the garage.
• If your pet absolutely must stay outside, make sure the shelter is clean, dry, and well insulated with straw, wood shavings, or a blanket. Be sure to change the bedding daily to prevent moisture, and position the opening away from the wind and any rain.
• Be sure to dry off the paws, legs, and stomach of your dog when you bring them back in from outside.
• Puppies may be difficult to housetrain during the cold so you may consider paper-training inside until it warms up.
• If your dog is sensitive to the weather due to age, illness, or breed type, be sure to only take them outdoors to relieve themselves.

During cold weather, cats especially are in danger. Many seek shelter under car hoods for warmth. When the motor is started, injury and even death could occur. As a precaution, bang loudly on the hood of your care before starting the engine in case a stray cat is using your car as a safe haven.

 We are done with severe storms, although we may have a few brushes with wintry weather tomorrow morning and again on Saturday.  Both will be low-impact events:  light accumulations of snow or sleet, but still enough to make a few slick spots on the roads.  The cold temperatures will stay with us through the weekend.