With the temperatures expected to drop, people are taking extra precautions to make sure their four-legged family members are staying safe and warm.

Veterinarian Dr. Gary Riggs says pet owners shouldn't underestimate the frigid temps and how they can impact animals.

"Water can freeze up just in the course of the hour, and if you're not checking on it regularly, that means your pets aren't getting any," he said.

"You also have to make sure your pets are in a spot where its insulated and off the ground because its going to be very cold, especially at night."

He says pets should never be outside in extreme winter conditions unsupervised and that you shouldn't have them outside longer than they need to be.

Dr. Riggs says over the years he's seen more animals that need treatment following extremely cold weather.

"We do every year get pets suffering from frostbite as well as some older cats who become dehydrated from lack of water because its frozen," Riggs explained.

He says the best advice of all is to keep your pets inside with you during the cold winter months.