What’s the rule: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets.

I knew winter weather was on the way when I walked into the grocery store and discovered that the toilet paper and bottled water aisles had been hit hard. Apparently, we might be iced in or snowed in for a few days — and, once again, toilet paper was the first thing to go.

What surprised me wasn’t the empty shelves, though. It was how many people were clearly preparing for themselves without giving much thought to their pets. Are you stocked up on water for your animals? Do you have enough pet food on hand if roads become impassable for a day or two? While there seemed to be plenty of pet food still available, emergencies have a way of changing that quickly.

When cold weather arrives fast, it’s easy to focus on our own comfort and forget that pets depend on us to plan ahead. They don’t understand weather alerts or emergency warnings — they just know when they’re cold, uncomfortable, or confused by a sudden change in routine.

Cold snaps don’t always arrive gradually. Sometimes they move across the country quickly, catching people — and pets — off guard. Even in areas that don’t typically experience harsh winters, like Texas, sudden drops in temperature can put animals at real risk. When that happens, pets rely on us to make thoughtful, protective choices on their behalf.

The safest place for pets during cold weather is inside your home. Dogs should be brought indoors overnight, and cats who are usually allowed outside should be kept in until temperatures rise again. Even healthy, street-smart outdoor cats can struggle with cold, wind, and damp conditions.

When dogs do go outside, keep trips short and purposeful. Puppies, senior dogs, small dogs, and short-haired breeds lose body heat quickly. If your dog is shivering, lifting their paws, or reluctant to walk, those are signs they’re too cold. Yes, that small dog in a sweater probably needs it. Once back inside, dry pets thoroughly and wipe their paws to remove moisture, ice melt, and other residues that can irritate skin or be harmful if ingested.

For dogs who are not allowed inside the home, appropriate shelter is critical — and not all shelters are created equal. A proper option might be a garage, an enclosed porch, or a sturdy, insulated doghouse that blocks wind and stays dry. Bedding should be straw, which insulates even when damp. Blankets and towels can absorb moisture and freeze, making them dangerous in cold weather. Fresh water must be checked frequently to ensure it hasn’t iced over, and some pets may need slightly more food to maintain body heat, with guidance from a veterinarian.

Cats aren’t the only small animals affected by cold weather. Rabbits, in particular, are extremely vulnerable. Rabbits should never be left outside in hutches during cold snaps. Cold, drafts, and dampness can be life-threatening for them. Rabbits should be brought indoors or into a warm, protected space until temperatures stabilize.

It’s also important to be mindful of animals you don’t know. Outdoor cats often seek warmth under car hoods or near engines during cold weather. Knocking on the hood or tapping the car before starting it can prevent a tragic accident. If you notice a pet left outside in extreme cold without adequate shelter, reach out to local animal services, a humane society, or community resources for help.

Pay attention to signs of cold stress in any animal: shivering, lethargy, hunched posture, whining, slowed movement, or seeking heat sources. These are signals that conditions are unsafe and action is needed immediately.

Cold weather doesn’t have to be prolonged to be dangerous. A single night of exposure can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or worse. Pets don’t understand weather alerts or forecasts. They understand comfort, safety, and trust.

What’s the rule: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Take a moment to make a cold-weather plan: bring pets inside, check shelter and water sources, and adjust routines as needed. These small steps can make a lifesaving difference.

Winter weather may move on quickly, but the choices we make during it matter. Our pets depend on us — and when the cold comes fast, they need us to show up even faster.

Originally appeared on CathyRosenthal.com | What’s the rule: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets.

Cathy M. Rosenthal is a seasoned animal advocate, author, and syndicated pet columnist with over 35 years of experience in the animal welfare field. To learn more, visit CathyRosenthal.com, or connect directly through Spay Neuter Network by sending your pet questions to her at Cathy@spayneuternet.org.