Submitted to the St. Clair County EMA's Facebook page, Cooper's all dressed up with some place to go—inside! Owner Andrea Griggs says she's happy to have Cooper on the sofa as long as he's warm.

Creating a comfortable cozy spot for your pets is critical in times of bitter cold.

While our four-legged friends are never without their protective fur, in extreme weather situations, they need to know they can count on their owners for proper care.

An important thing to keep in mind is dogs need to have a well-groomed coat in order to keep themselves properly insulated.

Winter weather means animals need to take in more calories, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.

In order for your pup(s) to maintain a healthy body temperature they need to amp up their caloric intake when the temperatures continue to drop.

If the harsh weather has harmed your dog’s paws, petroleum jelly can be applied to prevent or assist with cracked paw pads.

Due to the brutally frigid weather this week the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) consistently updated citizens through their Facebook page on the importance of bringing in their pooches.

“Please make room in your warm house for your pup, dog or cat,” the St. Clair County EMA posted. “Be it in your home, a shed, garage or wash room. Your pet depends on you.”

During these freezing cold situations St. Clair County and its neighboring areas’ residents will also be making sure their cars are properly cared for, but use caution when refilling your antifreeze.

A sweet tasting mixture, if ingested by a dog or cat—they will need to get to a veterinarian pronto.

Highly poisonous antifreeze is extra deceptive because it smells and tastes good to a dog, but is extremely lethal.

As seen on the Branchville Animal Hospital website, www.branchvilleanimalhospital.com, “know when your veterinarian’s office is open and the location of the nearest emergency clinic that is open after hours. Keep this information, including phone number and address, available where it’s easy to find.”

To ensure your pets are comfortably cared for during durations of excruciatingly freezing temperatures, bring them inside, wrap them up in a cozy blanket and cradle them with love.