LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With the frigid cold in the Louisville area this week, the Kentucky Humane Society wants to make sure you know how to keep your pets warm and healthy.

A new winter weather advisory was issued Wednesday for Thursday as a wintry mix is expected across Kentuckiana.

KHS Pet Resource Services said not to leave your pets outside when the temperatures drop. Outdoor dogs should be brought inside, as pets are at risk of "frostbite, hypothermia and death during extreme cold snaps." Wind chill is especially dangerous to animals, KHS said, because the exposed skin on their noses, ears, and paws can freeze quickly and cause permanent damage.

Experts advise against the use of salt and chemical melting products, as they can be toxic to animals and harmful to their paws. They also said to wipe your pet's paws and belly before they come inside when there is snow, sleet or ice. That prevents them from ingesting salt, antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals when they lick their paws.

When taking your dog for a walk in the snow or ice, KHS said to keep them on a leash as pets can lose their scent and become lost more easily, particularly in snowstorms.

If you have a puppy, KHS suggests providing them with puppy pads over outdoor bathroom trips as they don't tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs. You should also avoid long walks if your dog is sensitive to the cold because of their age, breed, or illness. 

Dog owners also shouldn't shave their dog's hair down to the skin in the winter months. Longer coats provide more warmth, but short-haired breeds can wear a sweater or a coat, KHS said.

If your dog is a small breed, KHS suggests laying a tarp down on the grass before it snows, and removing it after it snows so they can have a clear, easy space to use the bathroom.

KHS said neighbors who care for community, unowned (feral) cats should make sure they have fresh, unfrozen water in dishes and access to extra calories. The agency suggests using deep bowls over wide bowls and refill them with hot or warm water twice daily. Cats should also be fed on a regular schedule with increased calories to keep them warm. KHS also suggests putting out a shelter by building one or reusing a plastic storage bin, Styrofoam cooler or small dog house.

Stray cats often sleep under the hoods of cars in the winter, so KHS said it's important to bang loudly on your vehicle's hood before starting the engine. Cats can be injured or killed by the fan belt when the vehicle is started.

If you have an indoor cat that sometimes goes outside, KHS urges keeping them indoors during the winter months. They suggest putting a pillow or cushion next to a window so they can "enjoy the outdoors from the safety and warmth of home." If they must go outside, KHS said to keep trips "to a minimum" and always make sure they come back inside at night. 

For questions or other tips, you can call KHS Pet Resource Services at (502)-509-4738. For more information about the helpline, click here. For more tips, click here.

To stay up-to-date on the weather as the cold front moves in this weekend, click here for coverage from WDRB's meteorologists. 

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