How Cold is too Cold For Pets?

By Adam Chick

January 23, 2013 Updated Jan 24, 2013 at 12:39 AM EDT

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Just because they're covered with fur doesn't mean pets can't freeze, too.

Those frigid temperatures are keeping most people from spending a lot of time outside. But what about their pets? That fur must keep them warmer than us, right? Wrong.

"Basically if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for the animal," said Laurie Hubik, shelter manager of the Broome County Humane Society.

"Once you're cold, you know the dog is probably cold, too and ready to go in," she said.

After only being outside for five minutes, it became too cold for Hubik and her friend Lucky to go any further. There are some dogs that do better in the cold than others. But they still shouldn't be left outside for too long.

"Anything over an hour in weather like this is just too long for most dogs," Hubik said.

And there are others that shouldn't be outside in the cold at all, except of course, for a quick bathroom break.

"We look for people to consider their pets part of their family. And so they're going to be inside with the family, you know when the family is inside," Hubik said.

Hubik says cats shouldn't be let out side at all. There's just too many dangers for cats.

"Cars, sicknesses, dogs, all kinds of concerns for a cat. So we really don't recommend they have their cats be outside cats," said Hubik.

So keep the cats in, and be careful when you let the dogs out.

If you would like to adopt an animal from the Broome County Humane Society you can call 724-3709.