Originally Published: 15 JAN 24 14:49 ET

By Jessica MacAulay

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PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) -- When bitterly cold temperatures and snow move in, it's important pet owners take steps to keep their animals safe.

Pennsylvania SPCA animal advocate Carol Erickson told CBS News Philadelphia that as we work through the winter season, it's essential we keep our animals inside and safe from the cold.

This reminder comes as a dangerous blast of Arctic air is moving into the region this week, bringing the Delaware Valley some of the coldest weather it has seen in several years.

Many veterinarians will say if it's too cold for you to be outside, it's likely too cold for your pets to be outside. This could be slightly different if you have a thick-coated dog, like a Siberian Husky. These breeds of dogs will do better outside in comparison to other breeds with thinner coats.

Erickson reminds us that dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. So it is key to ensure your pets have access to warmth, water and food. Remember dogs belong in the house because they're social animals; they need to be in close company with their owners.

If you have an older dog and are taking them outside to go to the bathroom, you'll want to grab a coat for not only you but also your furry friend. Geriatric dogs need help regulating their body temperatures, so a dog coat or sweater will surely do the trick.

As the temperatures drop, don't let your guard down. Dog paws will need some extra TLC as snow salts will likely be left on sidewalks and streets this week.

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The-CNN-Wire