Extreme cold this weekend dangerous for people and pets

Posted on February 12, 2021
Meanwhile, a lot of dogs are spending more time inside due to the winter. Dr. Val says you can switch out toys and practice obedience training to help keep them entertained. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – With the bitterly cold conditions across central Illinois, health officials are reminding people to bundle up and limit your time outside. But it’s also important to keep on an eye on your pets.

Dr. Valeri Farmer-Dougan is the director of the Canine Behavior and Cognition Laboratory at Illinois State University. She says don’t leave your dog outside very long due to the extreme cold.

“When they come inside look for things like redness or soreness, if they don’t want you to touch their paws,” she told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “Check for ice balls between their toes, you can imagine if you had ice balls between your toes it would be hard to walk. Same for them.”

Meanwhile, a lot of dogs are spending more time inside due to the winter. Dr. Val says you can switch out toys and practice obedience training to help keep them entertained.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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