The weather is only going to get colder — forecasts have Ohio Valley temperatures falling into the 20s overnight in the near future — and it’s time to think about our pets as those temps drop.

Our furry friends, especially our dogs, aren’t built to withstand such frigid conditions. And if they’re really our friends, they shouldn’t have to. So there are some precautions everyone can take to make sure that our pets stay safe as we transition from autumn to winter.

The most important and easiest step, according to the American Red Cross, is to ensure your pets come inside during the cold months. If they’re left outdoors, they can freeze.

The Red Cross has some other tips as well.

It’s a bad idea to leave them unattended in the car. Just as vehicles can become ovens during the summer, they can become refrigerators during the winter, trapping cold air and putting pets in danger.

If they have to go outside, coverings are a great idea. Pet sweaters aren’t just to make those animals look cute. They provide insulation, especially to short-haired animals, against bad weather.

Grooming should be different, too. Keep your pet’s coat longer to keep them warmer, and keep baths to a minimum to protect against dry skin.

If they do go outside, when the return indoors, check their paws. Salt and other snow-melting chemicals can irritate them, so wipe them off with a damp towel to keep them clean.

Also, know your pets’ limitations in cold weather. Different animals are heartier against the cold than others. Keeping an eye on them can mean the difference between life and death for that treasured friend.

Follow those suggestions and your pets will stay happy and healthy, ready for more outdoor fun when the weather allows.