The winter weather watch we have been under could leave the ground with packed snow or ice. The Humane Society of Central Oregon issued a warning about keeping your pet safe and healthy when the weather turns rough. Spokesperson Lynn Ouchida says imagine how you want to stay comfortable when it's cold outside.

"Particularly when the temperatures drop to around freezing, bring your pets inside. I think a lot of people don't realize that dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears and nose and feet and unfortunately we do see frostbitten damage on animals that do arrive here at the shelter, so our goal is to prevent some medical care that you're going to have to do for your dog and bring 'em on inside." Ouchida says also remember if you take your dog for a walk where deicers have been used, be sure to clean your pets' paws when you're done. It will not only sting their pads, they will lick the chemicals off and that could make them sick. As for cats, tap the hood of your car to make sure a cat has not found a nice warm engine to sleep on. For more tips, go to the Humane Society of Central Oregon website: www.hsco.org.