With below freezing temperatures in the forecast, animal shelters are reminding all pet owners that winter weather poses special risks to pets. When temperatures fall, pets need extra care to help keep them comfy, cozy, healthy and safe.

Jackie Kajdzik

Dottie goes for a walk in December snow in Maple Valley.

"Each winter season, thousands of pets are left out in the cold with little or no refuge," says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. "Pet owners need to take extra precautions during winter weather to prevent a potential tragedy from befalling their beloved pets."

Despite their "fur coats," animals left outside can suffer from frostbite, get lost in their search for a warm shelter or even freeze to death. Cats and kittens are perfectly happy indoors as long as they have access to a litter box, food and fresh water.

Because they are pack animals, dogs prefer to be indoors with their family in any weather, but the cold weather is particularly hard and even hazardous to them. In most cases, the family dog has not been bred or conditioned to live in cold temperatures.

Tips to keep them safe:

- Dogs and cats can get frostbitten ears, noses and feet if left outside. Bring pets indoors during cold weather and take them out only when necessary.

- Hypothermia and dehydration are the two most probable life-threatening conditions for animals in cold weather. Make sure your pet is indoors or in covered shelter, with plenty of food and water. Blankets or thick towels, even an old quilt will give your animal something to snuggle in against the cold. If you cannot bring your animal inside, check on him or her regularly. Animals who are used to living in warm temperatures aren't as able to acclimate to a severe drop in temperature.

J. Howland

Lily checks out snow in North Bend in this December, 2007 photo.

- If your dog must remain outside for a period of time, provide an elevated dog house with clean, dry bedding and a flap over the opening to keep drafts out. The door should face away from the west or north to avoid cold winds. Consider installing a "doggie" door so your pet can seek protection from cold weather in your garage. Check water bowls to make sure they are not frozen and avoid using metal bowls as your pet's tongue could stick to the frozen metal.

- Pets love the smell and taste of antifreeze and even a small amount can kill them. Clean up spills at once and be alert for antifreeze on the ground or left out in open containers that have not been properly stored or disposed of.

- Gently towel or blow-dry your dog or cat if he or she gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean paws as well. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. Remember that chemicals used to melt snow and ice on driveways and sidewalks can burn your pet, so check the paws, mouth and belly after a walk.

- Cats and kittens often nap on warm car engines and hoods. If your car was recently used, knock on the hood or honk the car horn before starting the engine.

- Help your elderly or arthritic pets when they need to go outside.

- Consider a sweater for short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds and Chihuahuas, before taking them outside but chose wisely. Sweaters made from certain fibers don't insulate when they get wet and can actually remove heat from an animal's body. Avoid sweaters made of cotton; wool and some synthetics provide insulation, even when wet.

- Do not leave your pet alone in a car. It gets too cold and can quickly become a freezer, causing hypothermia and possibly death.

- Outdoor cats will climb under the hoods of cars for warmth, so be safe and bang loudly on your car’s hood before starting the engine to give any sleeping cats a chance to vacate.

- Be careful of fireplaces and portable heaters; keep fireplaces screened and heaters out of reach as a pet may chew the cord or knock it over and cause a fire.

- Like people, dogs and cats are more susceptible to illnesses in the winter. Take your pet to your veterinarian if symptoms occur.

- Avoid letting them play in water. It can drop their body temperature severely. If your pet runs through a puddle or falls in a lake, get them out and dry them off immediately. Wrap them in a blanket and get them indoors.

Early signs of Hypothermia:

- Shivering, lethargy, depression, wobbly legs and pale gums. If your animal has any sign of hypothermia, contact your veterinarian.