With sub-freezing temperatures predicted for North Texas in the next few days, the SPCA of Texas is recommending that pet owners protect their pets from harsh outdoor conditions.

Keep your pet indoors
Freezing temperatures can be dangerous and even deadly for companion animals, so it is best to keep your pet indoors as much as possible. A good rule of thumb is that if you are cold outside, your pet will be, too. Wet and cold weather can lead to hypothermia or pneumonia in animals. Be especially cautious with very young or very old animals, because they are more susceptible to suffering medical issues due to the cold.

Limit outside time to quick walks or bathroom breaks, and consider providing your pet with a pet sweater and booties to protect their paws from ice and/or snow. Avoid pavement and walk on grass when possible.

Outdoor living quarters
The SPCA of Texas never recommends leaving pets outside full time.

And it is against the law in the state of Texas to leave your pet outdoors in extreme temperatures without appropriate shelter.

However, if you must subject your pets to being outside for extended periods of time, weatherproof their living quarters.

That means:

• The shelter must be covered, dry, insulated, filled with straw or other bedding (not blankets or towels as wet fabric can freeze) and should retain heat.
• The shelter should be made up of three sides, a roof, and a floor.
• The shelter should be elevated with the entrance pointed away from wind.

Food & drink
Monitor the time your pets spend outdoors and be sure they always have fresh water that is not frozen, in a non-metal bowl to drink.

Outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter to produce body heat, so increase the amount you feed your pets if they stay outdoors for long periods of time.

Things not to do
Some pet owners assume their pets can withstand the cold weather because they have fur. But this is not always the case. Indoor dogs shed their undercoats and should never be made to stay outside for extended periods of time.

Never shave your pets down to the skin in the winter; leave their coats long for more warmth.

When you bathe your pets, completely dry their coats before letting them go outdoors.

Things to watch out for
Be diligent regarding chemicals and pets in vehicles, as follows:

• Wipe your pets' paws. Salt, antifreeze and other chemicals could hurt your pets if they ingest them while licking their paws, so be sure to wipe your pets' paws and legs clean with a wet cloth after an outing. Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate paws and could potentially lead to frostbite, cuts or cracks.
• Before starting your car, check to make sure there are no animals hiding in the exhaust pipe or under your tires. Cats and small animals may seek shelter near or under your car so be sure to look carefully and honk the horn before turning on the engine.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold, and the animal could freeze to death.