Keep your pet out of danger during Sacramento freeze warning. A few tips you might not know

With temperatures dipping as low as 24 degrees in the region this week, your pet is going to need some extra attention.

Temperatures will be coldest overnight, with the lowest expected early Thursday morning.

So with chilling temps, freeze warnings, frost and wind — the outside could cause chapped paws and itchy or flaky skin.

How can I protect my pet from the cold this week?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, here’s what could harm your pet.

Skin irritation:

• Repeatedly coming in and out of the cold into dry heat of your home can cause your pet’s skin to become irritated.
• Shaving fur down too low can also cause skin irritation during cold weather.
• Giving your pet a bath too often this week could remove essential oils and also increase their chance of skin irritation.

Shield them from the cold:

• For the next couple of days especially, don’t leave your furry friend alone inside a car.
• Keep them away from any drafts on the floor .
• Feed them a little more than usual because they burn extra energy trying to stay warm.

Here a good rule of thumb: If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet.

Here’s what else you need to know to protect your pet during Sacramento’s current freeze spell, according to ASPCA’s weather safety tips:

• Keep your home humidified
• If your pet is long-haired, just trim them to minimize weather debris from sticking to them. If your pet is short-haired, consider dressing them in a coat or sweater that covers them from the base of their tail to their belly.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of water to drink. This will help them stay hydrated and their skin will be less dry.

And before you and your four-legged friend suit up for a walk, check Sacramento’s latest detailed forecast, as of 11 a.m. Fed. 23, according to the National Weather Service Sacramento Office:

SACRAMENTO FREEZE FORECAST

Wednesday

Sacramento will see sunny skies with a high near 54.

Wednesday night into Thursday morning

The area can expect widespread frost after 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. The low will be around 28 degrees.

Thursday

High near 56 degrees.

Thursday night into Friday morning

The low will be around 29 degrees, with widespread frost starting early Friday morning.

Friday

The high will inch back up above 60 degrees. The freeze warning expires at 9 a.m.

What’s the coldest day in Sacramento history?

The coldest temperature ever recorded in the downtown area was 17 degrees on Dec. 11, 1932, according to according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration historical data.

This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 12:04 PM.