As cold hits, take extra care of pets

SCRAPS - the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service - sent out a reminder today to all pet owners that pets should be brought indoors. There’s a blizzard warning in effect overnight and it’s already well below freezing outside.
“No pets should stay outside for unlimited amounts of time in freezing cold weather, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite just as we can,” said animal protection officer Nicole Montano. “If we see a lot of snow coming down we would also like to remind pet owners that snow build up can damage fences or allow pets to escape if the snow level is high enough.”
In extreme cold even an insulated dog house with bedding may not be warm enough. If your pet is in an insulated kennel make sure it has plenty of dry bedding and that blankets are dry, too.
SCRAPS emergency line is 509-477-2533 (for county residents) and SpokAnimal’s number is (509) 534-8133 (for city residents)