Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Charlie, a 10-month old Chow mix, runs around Betts Park with John Lucks.

When the weather gets cold, it’s not just people who shouldn’t spend too long outside.

The National Weather Service is calling for some possible lake-effect snow in the region Saturday through Thursday, but, for now, the outlook for Warren County is just cold — highs will approach 32 degrees with lows in the teens through Thursday, when the high is projected at 41.

Regardless, Jeff Kinney will be taking four or five walks a day around Warren’s South Side with Lily, a 7-year-old Chihuahua. She is not a fan of the cold, according to Kinney.

John Lucks and Charlie, a 10-month-old Chow mix, can be seen a couple times a week walking at Betts Park.

Getting those pets exercise is important, but there are limits.

“If you are cold, they are cold,” Paws Along the River Humane Society Executive Director Karen Kolos said. “We want short-term exercise, but short walks only in the severe temperatures.”

“When it’s below 32 degrees, dogs are not allowed to be out for more than half an hour,” Rachel O’Carroll of Paws said. “The short-haired dogs, they get chilly. They like to have sweaters. Little dogs, be careful of their feet in the cold.”

“Like humans, dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia,” according to the humane society’s website.

After a walk that includes a driveway or road, paws should be washed to remove antifreeze and salt that can irritate and damage paws.

When the weather prevents getting a dog as much exercise as it needs, the website advises “10 to 15 minutes of mental stimulation — ” a training session of sit, stay, shake, or one of the many dog toys out there that can hold treats inside and have to be rolled and shaken to dispense.”

Domestic animals cannot be left outside without shelter when the temperature is less than 32 degrees.

“All animals, regardless of size, must be provided adequate shelter,” Kolos said. “They can’t just be tied out for more than 30 minutes.”