KNOXVILLE, Tenn -- A 10Weather Impact Alert is in effect Monday due to the cold temperature change coming later in the day.
East Tennessee will see highs in the middle to lower 40s early, and it's expected to get colder throughout the day. Snow is also possible across the higher elevations this evening.
When it gets like this many of us want to cuddle up inside and if it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your furry best friends, too! Here are some tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association on how to keep your animals safe during this cold snap.
Stay inside
The best advice for pet owners is to bring their animals inside when the temperatures drop to near or below freezing.
Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds are more tolerant of cold weather but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below freezing temperatures.
Keeping outdoor animals warm
If you have outdoor pets, be sure they have a warm place to stay -- a doghouse, a corner of the garage, or some sort of sheltered area to block the wind. The floor of the shelter should be off the ground.
They will need warm bedding, like hay or cedar shavings. Warm blankets or towels only work if they are dry. If that material gets wet, it will only make your pet colder. Heated pet mats can also be used but they are capable of causing burns, so they should be used with caution.
You also need to make sure their water bowls don't freeze. You will likely need to change it out several times a day. Outdoor pets also require more calories in the winter to build up enough body heat and energy to keep them warm.
Bundling up for walks and potty breaks
When taking your pets out for a walk make sure they're appropriately dressed and aren't out for too long. If they start to shiver or burrow, that's an indication that they're trying to warm up or find a warmer area -- so it might be time to head back inside.
Check your dog's paws for signs of cold-weather injury or damage. Ice can accumulate between their toes, causing cracked or bleeding paws.
Stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water.