Five ways to help pets weather frigid temperatures

ALBANY — With temperatures set to plunge into the low 20s with a wind chill expected to bring the “feels-like” temps down into the teens, it’s important to remember four-legged friends and protect them from freezing weather.

Here are five tips to help keep animals warm during this week’s hard freeze:

— Keep pets indoors. If possible, bring outdoor pets inside when the weather is freezing;

— Shorten outdoor time. Walks may need to be shortened so that animals are not exposed to cold weather for extended periods of time;

— Consider wrapping up. Pet sweaters can help protect pets with shorter hair that are not able to withstand the cold as well as their more furry counterparts;

— If bringing a pet inside is not possible, provide it with a shelter against the wind. The floor of the shelter should be above the ground, and bedding should be provided that is thick and dry. Position the door away from the prevailing winds;

— Keep pets hydrated. Make sure pets outdoors have access to water by filling bowls if they become iced over. They will need extra food during cold weather because maintaining warmth takes extra energy.

File Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]