Tips to keep your pet safe in the dangerous cold from a Huntsville nonprofit

We’re bundling up to stay warm in this chilly weather. It’s important to also keep your furry friends safe during the dangerously cold temperatures from Friday, December 23 to Tuesday, December 27. Read on to learn tips from a Huntsville nonprofit.

Extremely cold temperatures are coming soon

At the end of this week, we’re expected to have dangerously cold weather, with highs only reaching the low twenties to high thirties. According to the National Weather Service, there will be lows of single digits and teens from Friday, December 23 to Tuesday, December 27. Plus, there’s a possibility we’ll have a White Christmas with a 30% chance of snow on Friday, December 23.

How can you keep your outdoor pets safe?

When there are extremely low temperatures, it’s important to check on your furry friends. According to WAAY 31, Helping Animals Without Shelter (HAWS), a Huntsville nonprofit, is helping us know how to keep our pets safe. HAWS emphasized the importance of preparing a dog house for the cold. To do this, fill the dog house with wheat straw and put some around the house for insulation. If you don’t have straw, use cedar chips. This nonprofit also encourages owners of puppies, sick dogs and older dogs to bring them inside when it’s extremely cold.

Also, the National Weather Service has some practical tips to keep your furry friend safe:

• Check your pet’s food and water, making sure the water doesn’t freeze.
• Don’t leave your pet in a car alone when it’s cold.
• Never let your pet off its leash when there is snow or ice. Keep walks to a minimum.
• Wipe off your pet’s legs, stomach and paws after a walk outside. Be sure there isn’t any salt, antifreeze, snow or ice on your furry friend.

I’m a sucker for pets in sweaters—it’s the perfect time to get one for your furry friend to bundle up in!

Looking to escape the cold? Here are warming centers around Huntsville and North Alabama.

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