Winter Preparations Should Include Pets

Snow has already made its first appearance on the mountains above Jackson Hole prompting reminders to residents to adjust their emergency preparedness at home or in the car for the winter.  However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency together with the National Humane Society also point out that extra precautions need to be made for the four-legged family members.  Dogs and cats can be as susceptible to wind-chill has people, and pet-owners are urged not to leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops. If the animals typically spend a lot of time outdoors, experts suggest they be provided with a dry, draft-free shelter into which they can retreat.  Teton County Emergency Management Coordinator Rich Ochs adds residents should have arrangements in place with friends or neighbors should the weather prevent them from returning home to care for their pets.  He points out that weather could also impact telephone communication, so arrangements should be made in advance for such eventualities.  Local animal shelters and veterinarians also caution that during cold weather, cats and small animals sometimes climb into the warm engines of parked cars and can become injured when the engine starts; so motorists are encouraged to bang on the hood before starting the engine to scare the animal out and prevent its injury.