While you may want to take your dog out for a winter stroll and enjoy the snow flurries, it may be best for them — and you — to stay indoors in dangerously cold temperatures, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Just like humans, dogs and cats can catch hypothermia and suffer frostbite in freezing weather — even with their seemingly cold-resistant fur, Dallas Animal Services spokeswoman Marlo Clingman said in an email. According to PetMD, rain and snow can soak through pets’ hairs and quickly chill them.

“They aren’t any more prepared for the cold than we are,” Clingman wrote. “For the most part, dogs can tolerate standing outside in the cold for about as long as we can.”

With bone-chilling wind chills and cloudy conditions, it’s especially important to know your pets’ tolerances to the cold and recognize their limits to keep them healthy. Arthritic and elderly pets probably will experience the most difficulty walking outdoors in the snow or ice.

Here are some tips on how to keep your dogs and pets safe, according to the AVMA and DAS.

• Shorten your dog’s walk. Long-haired and thick-coated dogs, such as huskies, Great Pyrenees or Akitas, that can better withstand the cold should still not be left outside for long periods of time during a cold front.
• Check their paws for any cracked pads or bleeding. Consider trimming the hair between your dog’s toes to minimize ice accumulation.
• Dress your dog in a dry sweater or coat, and consider using booties for their feet, especially for short-haired dogs.
• After walking or letting them out to relieve themselves, wipe down or wash your dog’s feet, legs and belly which may have picked up antifreeze or other toxic chemicals.
• Feed your pets well during the winter months. Outdoor pets require more calories to keep them warm in the cold.
• Monitor your pet when they’re outdoors to take action if necessary. If they start shivering, acting anxious and slowing down, they are likely showing signs of hypothermia. It’s time to head back inside and call your veterinarian.
• Consider going to the vet for a wellness exam if you haven’t recently, as cold weather may exacerbate medical conditions like arthritis.

In addition, cats may roost underneath cars in cold weather. Honk your horn to ensure that any felines are clear of the vehicle.

What should I do if I see an unattended animal?

If you see an animal left outdoors for an extended period of time, DAS urges people to call 311 and file an Animal Lack of Care report on the city of Dallas website.

“We will be incredibly busy over the next few days responding to these calls, so please do not call 311 if your neighbors are simply letting their pets out to exercise and relieve themselves,” the shelter said in a statement.

Clingman said that since Monday, Dec. 19, until Thursday at 4 p.m., DAS had received 105 calls. Among those reports, the city issued 10 violation notices and impounded two stray dogs.