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(ABC 6 News) — Frigid temperatures are working their way into the area for the rest of the week, leaving both people and animals forced to get ready for the cold.
Bruce Waugh is the owner of Cannon Valley Ranch just outside of Zumbrota in Goodhue County.
While the sub-zero temperatures will be cold for his cows this weekend, Waugh said cattle like his are more equipped for the cold than people.
“Us as humans, below zero is absolutely terrible. For them, that more may be like a 30 degree or a 40 degree to us,” Waugh said.
Part of the reason behind that is the cow’s rumen, which is a chamber in their four-part stomach that acts as an internal furnace.
Waugh said this cold snap is nothing out of the normal for what he’s prepared for on his farm.
“Wind is a big deal. The other thing is keeping them dry, and having a good bedding pack,” said Waugh.
While the cattle will be fine, it’s a different story for animals like dogs.
“If it’s too cold for you, you can pretty much guarantee it’ll be too cold for most dogs,” said Katie Hayward, the store manager at Central Bark Rochester.
Hayward said most dogs are vulnerable to the cold on their nose, ears, and tails.
“If you see them slowing down, or licking their paws, or licking their nose a whole lot, that’s probably a tale tailed sign that it is a little too cold for them, and they should head inside to warm up,” she said.
Whether it’s on the farm or in your backyard, it will be important to keep an eye on your animals over the next few days and make sure they are staying warm at all times.
