Cold temperatures can quickly turn dangerous for area residents, but Hardin County Animal Care and Control Director Mike McNutt wants to make sure people remember the same is true for four-legged friends.
“During these code spells that we’re having where our wind chills are minus 10, minus 20, whatever they may be, please bring your animals in,” McNutt said. “If you’re cold, they’re cold. With the exception of a few breeds like your huskies, malamutes, dogs that work out in the code, that’s a little bit different, but for the most part, your everyday dogs need to be inside somehow, some way.”
McNutt says the best option is inside the home with you, but if that’s not feasible, find a way to get them into a garage, shed, or other permanent structure.
“A lot of times, I’ll give a warning,” McNutt said. “This is me officially telling you: bring your animals in. Figure out a way to get your animals out of this inclement weather.”
Normal measures taken to keep outdoor pets warm do not work when conditions get this cold.
“In this weather, straw inside of a dog house is not enough,” McNutt said. “They need more. Heated dog houses maybe, but if at all possible, bring them in with you, just for the time being, until the temperature rises a little bit.”
The American Veterinary Medical Association also reminds residents to try to remember to have their car make noise before starting the engine or pulling away in case feral cats have taken shelter underneath it.
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