As temperatures dip this winter, animal advocates and local authorities are reminding pet owners to make sure their four-legged friends are protected from those too cold temps.
Local police are letting pet owners know that when temperatures drop below 32 degrees, cats and dogs need to be brought indoors or given access to a warm, insulated shelter to escape the freeze. In addition to shelter, pets need access to water, which will require supervision if the water is left outside in freezing temperatures.
Coats for dogs are a good idea if your pup has a thinner/shorter coat. Salted and treated streets and sidewalks can be painful for dogs' paws. Using protective booties is the best option for your pup, but if your dog isn't a fan of booties, giving their paws a good rinse after a walk will also help.
In many states, it's illegal to leave dogs tied up outdoors without sufficient shelter. If someone notices an animal being left alone for 36+ hours without food and water, a bystander or law enforcement official can intervene.
If you are worried about the safety of a local pet, the Humane Society of the United States says to document what you see and call local authorities to report and intervene.