With overnight temperatures getting down to the single digits later this week, it’s important to protect our furry friends.

Jefferson Veterinarian Dr. Mark Peters reminds dog owners to make sure that if their canine is left outside in the cold, that they have adequate shelter. 

“Every once in a while I’ll see one of those plastic dog huts outside and that’s not adequate. Go wrap yourself in a plastic bag or a garbage bag and go sit out in the yard a little bit and see how cold you get. You just can’t leave them out in inadequate conditions with inadequate housing because they could absolutely get hypothermic, and that becomes an emergency when that happens. No doubt about it.”

Dr. Peters suggests having a sturdy shelter, along with a warm blanket and a warming water dish that won’t freeze to provide the dog with fresh water.