With the first real Arctic blast of air this winter many people start to focus on keeping warm and looking after themselves but we can't forget about our furry, four-legged friends.

Animals may have fur but when temperatures drop to the mid-20's below zero steps need to be taken to keep pets cozy and safe as well.

Dr. Kim from the Animal Health Clinic of Humboldt explains what needs to be done if your dogs or cats spend significant time outside.

"I usually recommend to people anything less than minus 25 degrees, dogs and cats should actually be in a well sheltered or heated barn, garage or shop. They need to be provided with a warm house and I caution people about putting heat lamps in their dog and cat houses, I have seen burns on their backs from it getting too hot."

For most urban residents animals have the luxury of remaining inside when the mercury drops to an uncomfortable level but Dr. Kim warned that when your dog has completed their business outside and they scurry back, let them in.

She describes some signs your pet may have suffered some frostbite.

"It's difficult to know immediately, sometimes they might show a lameness or an inability to walk properly on a limb. With time the tips of the ears or the tail will actually start to die so it becomes hard and crusty and they fall off."

She adds that small house pets aren't the only animals that need our help, she says larger animals such as horses, cows or pigs also need precautions in place.

"Their feed demand and energy requirements significantly increase," Dr. Kim said Friday morning. "For cattle, for every minus 10 degree drop after minus 20 you are looking at increasing the energy demands anywhere from 2.5 to five pounds of barley per head per day depending on the quality of your feed."

She mentioned having wind protection is key for agricultural animals as well as deep dry hay beds.

However the one main point she stressed, "if you're cold, they're cold."

If you require any assistance or have questions call the Animal Health Clinic of Humboldt or your local veterinarian.

You can hear more from Dr. Kim below in her interview with Bolt FM's Clark Stork.