City Of Minnetonka: 2022 Will Begin With Big Chill

Press release from the City of Minnetonka:

12/29/2021 3:04 p.m.

The New Year's Eve holiday weekend will be an especially cold one with arctic air settling into the region for an extended period of time. Temperatures will struggle to get into the single digits above zero many days. New Year's Day itself may include temperatures that stay below zero. Track the latest forecast here.

Minnesota winters can be harsh. We are so used to bundling up our kids and ourselves that we sometimes forget about our four-legged friends or we think their fur is enough to keep them warm no matter how low the mercury drops.

Minnetonka Police field a number of calls each season from people worried about pets placed in dangerous situation. The fact is that each year dogs and cats suffer from frostbite, hypothermia and even death from being left outside in frigid temperatures and low wind chills without proper protection. Many people think a dog house will keep their pet safe from the elements, but to actually be beneficial it must meet several criteria: 1. It must be insulated—to keep in the animal’s body heat. 2. It must be at least 2 inches off the ground—to prevent the cold from the ground from seeping in. 3. It must contain a bedding material—to protect against dampness and retain body heat.

 Cars are not suitable shelters in cold weather. Once the car cools off, it is too large and has too many windows to be considered insulated and keep the animal warm. If your bottle of water freezes in your car, so will your pet. Remember—If it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet, bring them inside.

This press release was produced by the City of Minnetonka. The views expressed here are the author’s own.