Weekend Weather Forecast Too Doggone Cold for Pets

Pet owners should be prepared for temperatures dropping into and below the 20s this weekend.

The Animal Care Network (ACN) has issued a warning for all pet owners. The weather is predicted to be mild through Friday, but then is expected to plummet on Saturday. 

Keep your pets safe by remembering these 10 cold weather tips:

1. If you know anyone who keeps pets outdoors, persuade them to bring them inside.
2. Dogs and cats can suffer from frostbite in a matter of minutes, mainly on feet, ears and tails.
3. If kept outside, use a dog house that is not oversized, since the dog needs to retain body heat.
4. Put a wind flap on the dog house door.
5. Provide plenty of dry straw and access to fresh, unfrozen water.                
6. Dog houses must be elevated off the ground so they don't freeze on the bottom.  
7. Double up on food intake during cold weather! Extra weight keeps them warmer!
8. Salt and other chemicals can irritate the pads of animal's feet.
9. When you are cold enough to go inside, pets most likely are too!
10. If you see a dog or cat in need of a help, become that animal's advocate. Speak with the owner, and if that fails to improve the situation, contact your local animal shelter, humane society or animal control office.