Photo: Masoud Sakhinia / 500px / 500px / Getty Images
(Des Moines, IA) -- Subzero conditions today could be dangerous for pets.
"Know your dog, know your dog’s comfort level. They will certainly let you know, whether they are raising those paws or shivering in the cold, they’re going to let you know pretty quickly if they can handle the snow," said Tom Colvin with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
Some breeds will handle the extreme weather better than others. For example, northern breeds like Huskies will likely do better in subzero temperatures than small, short-haired dogs or cats.
"As you take your pets out, this is going to be an entirely different situation. They’re going to get cold really quickly, so you have to watch out for that. You also have to watch out for salt on sidewalks and driveways," Colvin said.
An animal’s paws will be the first thing to get cold. Colvin says boots and sweaters are available to keep pets warmer. But if that’s too much, he recommends wiping off their paws when bringing them back inside to remove snow and salt.
If an animal has to be outside, Colvin says there are certain considerations owners need to take.
"If a pet has to be outside, there are special considerations that have to be taken into account, making sure they are healthy, have a good hair coat, and are out of the wind," said Colvin.
Pet owners should try to find a spot where pets are sheltered from direct wind and make sure they have access to water. The ARL says the best practice is to bring outdoor pets inside during extreme cold.