Bitterly cold weather returns with snow, sub-zero temps possible

With the possibility of bitterly cold weather returning soon, officials are urging you to keep your pets safe in this cold weather.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis says that a strong winter storm is expected to bring temperatures that are well below normal, with a chance of sub-zero temperatures by Saturday. The best chances for snow in the state are in our area with between a 70 to 80 percent chance starting this weekend.

According to Bartholomew County Emergency Management, if the weather is too cold for you, then it is probably too cold for your dog. With temperatures between 20 and 32 degrees, it is only safe to allow dogs outside for 15 to 30 minutes, but there is still a risk of hypothermia for smaller dogs.

Between 0 and 20 degrees, 10 to 15 minutes is the maximum exposure and only heavy coated dogs should be left out and even then, monitored closely.

Temperatures below zero are dangerous for all breeds of dogs and frostbite can occur in minutes. They suggest only quick potty breaks as needed.