Animal houses cannot protect pets from frostbite and hypothermia. So, pet owners must ensure that their pets are warm. Even unheated garages do not offer much protection to the pets.

The pets are incapable of generating enough body heat to keep them warm in large areas. It would be much better if the pet is provided with a small shelter inside the garage.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association Frostbite and hypothermia affects animals in less than an hour. Young or older animals and those with health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease need special protection from winter weather.

The pets should never be left out in the cold weather for long time. Providing additional food to the pets is another good idea to ensure that the pet has enough warmth and energy. They should also be given warm water to drink.

The AAHA also recommends that pet owners shouldn't leave their pets unattended in the cold. As a rule of thumb, when you're cold enough to go inside, they probably are too.

The law too punishes the guilty - those who leave their pets out in the cold. It is not only immoral but illegal too. The police are already alert about the owners who leave their pets outside in the cold for long time. Humane League of Lancaster County issued a cold-weather advisory Friday for pet owners who typically keep animals outside.