Cheyenne Animal Shelter: Cold Weather Dangerous For Pets

A spokeswoman for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter is reminding dog owners that the current sub-zero temperatures are a hazard for their pets.

Katie Emmons says winter weather is always a potential hazard, especially for smaller breeds and those without a lot of fur. But she says even larger breeds like huskies could be endangered if predictions of low temperatures in the -20 range for tonight come true.

That's especially true in view of possible wind chills in the -40 range, and Emmons says wind chills are a consideration for pet safety as well as the actual temperature.

She says that while a dog house can shield dogs from the wind and snow, these kind of extreme temperatures mean you shouldn't leave your animals out overnight regardless of the breed. She says if you do let your pet outside for a while in this weather you need to make sure they have access to water that isn't frozen.

Emmons also says you should clear their paws of snow once they come in the house.

She says that horses generally are better able to cope with extreme cold, but advises horse owners to make sure their animals have shelter from the wind, unfrozen water, and possibly a blanket.