Hardin County Animal Shelter reminds pet owners to mind their animals in the cold

When it gets cold outside, animals need special attention.

With frigid temperatures in the forecast for the rest of the week, Hardin County Animal Care and Control Director Mike McNutt has some advice for dog owners.

“A lot of people are under the impression that dogs have fur and they can handle the cold better than humans, and that’s like an old wives tale, and the truth of the matter is that some dogs are built for the cold, you know, your huskies, your thicker-furred animals are built for being out in the cold, but as for just your run of the mill dogs, they are not built to be out in the cold, so the rule of thumb is if you are cold, they are cold,” McNutt said.

McNutt goes on to say if possible, bring your dog into your house or provide it with shelter of some kind. Another way to keep your animal warm is to provide it with straw.

“Straw generates heat,” McNutt said. “We currently have straw vouchers available at the shelter at 220 Peterson Drive, provided to us by the Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter, so if you need a straw voucher, please stop in and see us Monday through Saturday 12 to 4 p.m.”

The vouchers can be redeemed at Pepper’s Hardin County Milling Company. For more information go to the Hardin County Animal Shelter Facebook page or hcky.org.