Brr! If It's Cold for You, It Can Be Dangerous for Your Pet

March 4, 2010— -- If this winter, with its bitterly cold days and record-setting snowfalls, has been cold for you, imagine how it might be for your pet.

The basic rule is if you're not comfortable in the cold, your pet probably isn't either, veterinarian Marty Becker said today on "Good Morning America."

The average core temperature for cats and dogs is about 100 to 102 degrees F. If the animals' temperatures fall any lower than that, they're at risk for hypothermia, Becker said.

When pets' core temperature falls below 90 to 99 degrees, they run the risk of mild hypothermia. The risk becomes moderate when the temperature drops to 82 degrees, and becomes severe when the temperature drops below 82 degrees, he said.

To protect them from hypothermia, some pets may need to wear protective gear when they're out in the cold for extended periods of time.

Frostbite commonly occurs in animals that have been exposed to sub-zero temperatures for a long time, Becker said.

Some breeds are more sensitive than others. Body parts that have little or no protection, such as the tail, scrotum, foot pads and tips of the ears, are most susceptible to frostbite, he said, adding that some breeds may be more sensitive to cold than others.

Becker suggested some products that can help people keep their pets warm and safe this winter.

The Petmate Dogloo

The Dogloo is an igloo that dogs can duck into when it gets cold outside. It's built to stay stable in high winds, keep the rain out and promote good air circulation. It can be used year-round.

Suggested retail price: $109.08

Brinsea Products' KatKabin DezRez

If you're not home when the temperature drops, your outdoor cat can use the KatKabin. The outdoor cat shelter has good ventilation and insulated flooring to protect cat's paws from getting too cold. Your cat will be warm in the winter and can climb inside the shelter to stay cool in the summer.

Becker said it's really important that pets have a safe place to go when it gets cold. One place that definitely isn't safe is your car. The car can act as refrigerator, keeping in the cold. Animals can freeze to death if they're left inside cold cars, he said.

Suggested retail price: $149.00