Pet Safety in Freezing Weather. The Legit Reason for Dog Sweaters

As I piled on clothing layers for my early morning dog walk today, I wondered if it was even safe to take my skinny little terrier outside at all in the sub-zero temperatures and biting wind. Kirsten Theisen, Director of Pet Care Issues at the Humane Society confirms that the blast of super cold weather that's gripping much of the United States poses a real health risk to pets. "Even our huskies and malamutes, breeds that we envision as winter-ready, are many generations removed from their sled dog cousins," she tells Yahoo Shine.

More on Yahoo: Factbox: Tips to Stay Safe During Winter Weather

Theisen says that the extreme wind chill caused by the polar vortex is the biggest issue. "Our pets are experiencing the same risk for frostbite and hypothermia that we do," she says. She also points out that while we humans might be able to cover most of our bodies with winter clothing, "pets have exposed skin-their ears, their pads, their noses." The same goes for cats. "Your cat might act like they want to go outside, but its just not safe in these conditions. Their ears are especially vulnerable to frostbite."

More on Yahoo: Winter Health Risks: Prevent Frostbite, Hypothermia

Owners of small pets, such as birds or hamsters, need to be aware of the location of their cages. "Small animals should be moved to the warmest area of the house," advises Theison. "While a bird might enjoy being near a window, during this stormy weather, you may need to move its cage to a more insulated spot."

More tips for keeping your pet safe during the freezing weather:

Anti-freeze can kill dogs. Avoid leaving your dog in a garage and watch for puddles of accumulated anti-freeze in parking lots. Theisen says that while some companies are adding bitter flavor agents, anti-freeze can taste and smell sweet and is highly toxic.

Keep your dog on a leash if it's snowing or icy. The ASPCA warns that dogs' sense of smell is diminished by snow and ice and says the more dogs are lost in winter than any other season.

Wipe your dog's feet after coming in from a walk. De-icers, salt, and sand all contain chemicals that can irritate their skin or make them sick if they lick it off.

Keep an eye out for signs that your pet is too cold. If your dog is pulling up its feet one at a time while outside on a walk, it's a sign their footpads are getting frigid. Lying in a tight, curled ball also indicates that a dog or cat is trying to stay warm. Watch out for fur that looks puffed up. "That means they are getting to cold and need your help to get to a warmer place," says Theisen.

Buy your dog a coat or sweater. Winter coats and sweaters are especially important for dogs with short or thin coats. Look for one with a wide strap that keeps their vulnerable belly warm. Dog and cat beds also help your pet stay cozy and night and up off the drafty floor.

Never leave a dog or cat in a car alone during the cold weather. Temperatures can plummet inside making your pet vulnerable to hypothermia or even death.

Even if you have an "outdoor pet," it's time to bring them inside. "Pets who normally live outdoors should be brought inside as protection against the harsh conditions," a spokesperson for the ASPCA tells Yahoo Shine. "Intermittent outdoor time for dogs to relieve themselves should be limited, and walks should be kept as brief as possible."

Puppies are especially vulnerable to cold. New puppies may never have been outdoors at all, so icy temperature are particularly risky. If you are house training, you might need paper train until the weather improves.

More information on cold weather and pet safety can be found the on websites of the Human Society and the ASPCA.

Also on Shine:

How to Winterize Your Skincare Routine

11 Stylish Boots to Survive the Winter

This Snow Shark is the Best Thing to Come Out of This Freezing Winter