The extreme cold poses as much of a threat to dogs and cats as it does to humans, and a Knoxville veterinarian is urging owners to protect their pets from these conditions.

Dr. Maggie Wilson from Knoxville Veterinary Clinic says dogs should only be taken outside for brief breaks; their paws should also be examined when they come back inside, with owners checking for salt or ice melting chemicals which could be harmful to them.

Dr. Wilson tells KNIA/KRLS News some breeds may be more resistant to extreme cold than others, but the frigid temperatures we are facing now would be too much for most breeds.

“How severely a pet will be affected by cold weather really varies depending on the pet’s breed, the pet’s age, the weight of the pet and the coat condition. Those are all things that go into play,” Dr. Wilson says. “For example, a husky is going to be more adequately prepared than a lab or a little terrier in this weather.”

House cats should be kept inside; but car owners should be cautious because stray cats often climb into the engine of a vehicle parked outside because it’s warmer. She recommends making a loud noise before starting your car, to scare off any strays under the hood.

And pet owners should check for signs of frostbite; it can take several days for frostbite to become obvious, but humans can communicate the problem right away whereas dogs and cats can’t tell their owner there’s a problem.