ELMIRA, N.Y.(WENY)-- Temperatures are dropping below freezing in the Twin Tiers which means its important to not only bundle yourself up, but also your furry friends. 

"The general rule is if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them and you're pets need to be brought inside," Arynn Brucie, Community Manager at the Chemung County SPCA told WENY News.

Even though most pets have a layer of fur for protection, it will not keep them completely safe against the elements.

"Obviously they have to go outside and go potty, they need water, so bundling them up, if you have a sweater or coat for your dog or little booties for their feet, it's defiantly a good idea to invest in something like that if you guys are out a lot," says Bruice. 

This rule goes for cats too, especially for cats who live a lot of their lives outside.

"If you can let your cat hang out inside for a couple days when the temperatures are really low, we do recommend that. Usually cats can find a place to stay warm but you know, in your house is the safest place for them. So making sure that they have a comfortable place to hangout and be low stress rather than being outside in the cold," Brucie tells WENY News.

 For the furry friends who need to go outside in the frigid temperatures, while it is important to be bundling them up, it is also important to clean off their paws when they come back inside.

"If you do walk your dog outside, making sure you wipe down their feet when they come back inside because the salt that's out right now can sometimes be toxic to dogs or really hurt the pads of their feet so being mindful of that," says Brucie. 

You can click here to get in contact with the SPCA if you see any animals left outside this winter, they can direct you to a source who can help.