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I think we can all agree that the recent cold we’ve all been gritting our teeth through has been brutal and it looks like we’re going to have to settle in and deal with it through much of the rest of the week.

A Minnesota winter at its finest; it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable to say the least, but we have warm houses to eventually retreat to, and when that happens we hope you will keep your pets in mind and bring them with you.

It’s a worthy reminder every year to not leave your pets outside during cold snaps like this. While some breeds are able to withstand colder temperatures, many are not and even the snow breeds — including huskies and malamutes — can be adversely affected by these kinds of temps.

Fur is only a partial insulator that only goes so far. As temperatures continue to slip to below zero, wind and the biting cold will claw through and could create dangers for the animal.

This week, temperatures will largely be at single digits, at zero or far below zero when wind chills are factored. Monday and Tuesday, a pair of alerts were put into effect regarding the cold and looking at the remainder of the week, it can’t be ruled out that more won’t be placed into effect.

Either way, it’s just far too cold for anybody, pets included.

Please, limit your pet’s exposure to the elements during times like this. Take them outside when needed, but we urge you not to leave them outside for extended periods of time.

We’re including a link to the Humane Society of the United States that provides tips on how to care for your pet during the winter months and cold snaps such as this. It’s important to be vigilant when temperatures plummet.

A pet should be a member of your family, not an after thought from the misconception that just because they have fur, they can withstand the cold.