01/21/2026
Cold, Wet, and Potentially Icy Weather This Weekend ❄️🌧️
With cold, wet, and possibly icy weather moving in this weekend, please remember to bring your pets inside. Dogs and cats cannot safely withstand prolonged exposure to these conditions — even those who “normally stay outside.”
Here’s a quick look at local forecasts for the weekend:
📍 Leakey:
Expect rain Friday, then a very cold Saturday with freezing rain possible in the morning and some afternoon ice — highs near 35°F / ~2°C and lows down in the teens. Sunday stays cold with highs near 38°F / ~3°C.
📍 Concan & Rio Frio:
Rain Friday, then much colder Saturday (highs in the 40s) and periods of sleet/freezing rain Sunday morning with highs only in the low-to-mid 40s and lows near the low 20s.
This kind of weather is dangerous for animals left outside — even short exposure can cause hypothermia or worse.
⸻
For pets & outdoor animals who must stay outside
👉 Use STRAW, not hay, for bedding.
Straw repels moisture and insulates — hay absorbs water and makes animals colder.
If straw isn’t available:
• Shredded (non-glossy) paper — loosely fluffed for insulation
• Kiln-dried pine shavings — absorb a little moisture but still insulate
🚫 Avoid towels, cotton blankets, or hay outdoors — they hold moisture and freeze.
⸻
Additional cold-weather safety tips:
• Provide fresh, unfrozen water (check often)
• Make shelters dry, wind-protected, and elevated
• Smaller spaces help trap body heat
• Check paws for ice/ice balls after outings
• Check engine bays before starting vehicles (cats may hide there for warmth)
If you’re unsure your setup is warm enough, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Our animals depend on us to keep them safe 🤍
Stay warm and stay safe this weekend!
— Cozy Critter Pet Sitter