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Cold temperatures pose danger for furry friends, too

Many people believe that dogs and cats — with their fur and padded paws — are easily suited for cold temperatures. However, extreme conditions can pose a deadly threat for pets as well as people.

A dog named Maddie walks in the snow in Casper. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Many people believe that dogs and cats, with their fur and padded paws, are easily suited for cold temperatures. However, extreme conditions like those currently battering Wyoming pose a deadly threat for pets as well as people.

Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and generally should be kept inside during periods of extreme cold.

Some dog breeds, such as huskies and others bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather. However, no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.

People with cats or dogs should regularly check their pet’s paws for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked or bleeding paw pads.

When taking a dog on a walk in frigid conditions, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or ice accumulation between the animal’s toes. It is also recommended to keep dogs on leashes at all times when on a walk in dangerous conditions, even if the pet is generally OK to be let off a leash. After walks, animals should be thoroughly wiped down to warm them up and to remove possible chemicals like antifreeze from their coats.

In extreme cold, though, it’s best to leave animals completely indoors if possible.

After temperatures well below zero early Saturday, conditions aren’t expected to get much warmer in the coming days, with Saturday’s high only reaching minus 3, Sunday’s only reaching a high of 2 and Monday’s failing to climb above zero.

(via Cheyenne Firefighters Facebook)

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