While it is second nature in people to bundle up in coat, hat and gloves when cold weather hits, many people overlook the fact that their pets require extra care, too, during winter.

If you belong to the 39 percent of U.S. households with a dog or the 34 percent with a cat -- or if you own a more exotic pet like a potbelly pig, rabbit or ferret -- be aware of the following potential winter dangers. This will help keep your pet safe in the short-term, and help them live a longer, healthier life overall.

Don't Leave Your Pet Out in the Cold
The amount of time your pet should spend outdoors on frigid days depends on their breed. While some dogs like St. Bernard's and Huskies and some longhair cats are bred for cold weather, others, like Grey Hounds and shorthair cats, are not.

Cats and dogs that are shorthaired, warm-weather animals should only be outside long enough to relieve themselves on cold winter days and nights.

• Hypothermia: This occurs when your pet's body temperature falls below normal. Symptoms include shivering, depression, lethargy, muscle stiffness, slowed breathing and heart rate and being unresponsive to stimuli.

Pets should be immediately wrapped in blankets (electric blankets if possible) with a hot water bottle and taken to the veterinarian if they show signs of hypothermia.

• Frostbite: Like humans, if your pet gets cold enough, its body will pull blood from the limbs in order to keep the center of the body warm. Your pet's tail, ears, and paws are then vulnerable to ice crystals that can form and damage the tissues.

If you suspect frostbite -- your pet may whine or look for warm places to burrow in -- find the suspected frostbitten areas and soak them in lukewarm (not hot!) water for about 20 minutes. DO NOT rub the tissue, as this can cause further damage. Then wrap your pet in blankets and get them to the veterinarian.

Winter Precautions if You MUST Leave Your Pet Outside

• Make sure your pet has a warm, dry place to escape the elements
  
  
• Provide thick bedding and a hot water bottle for warmth
  
  
• Be sure there is a source of fresh water that will not freeze
  
  
• Feed them smaller portions more often throughout the day
  
  
• Make sure your pet stays dry, including free of snow
  
  
• Cats will curl up under car hoods on car engines to keep warm. If you know you have pet cats or stray cats in your area, it is always a good idea to check under your hood and car (or at least bang the hood of the car to check) before driving

Hidden Winter Toxins, Chemicals and Gases

The winter season brings with it a unique set of risks from de-icing chemicals, salts and carbon monoxide leaking from furnaces (a major risk for humans too). Watch out for these risky chemicals, and keep your pets clear of them:

Rock Salt and Chemical Ice Melters: These can irritate paws and cause digestive problems if ingested.

• Consider buying a sweater or booties for your pet, especially those shorthair and smaller breeds that are most vulnerable. Check out this warm and very cute two-tone parka for dogs!
  
  
• Elderly, ill and young pets (as with humans) are particularly vulnerable to the cold
  
  
• If you have guests over for the holidays be sure to introduce your pet to each one so it doesn't feel overwhelmed
• Watch out for ice that your pet could slip on

• Keep holiday treats like alcohol and chocolate out of pets' reach
  
  
• An overall rule-of-thumb- If you're cold and want to go inside, chances are your pet does too!

Lookout for Winter Dangers to Your Pet

The Humane Society of the United States

Holiday Dangers for Pets

Winter Weather Hazards for Pets