BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The winter isn't just hard on you. It's also hard on your pets, especially if they're exposed to the elements regularly. And Furry Friends Rockin' Rescue is seeing an up-tick in pets being left out in the cold. Furry Friends says they've seen multiple heartbreaking cases of animals dying or missing limbs from the cold. They say this sometimes comes from pet owners not knowing how to take care of pets during the winter. That's why Furry Friends volunteers have these tips on how to keep your pets safe and warm this winter: Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep -- away from drafts and off of cold floors. Wash and dry your pet's paws after walks to remove ice and salt. You could also get them a pair of boots to avoid this. Make sure you have an emergency kit for your pet in case either of you get stranded. "If your dog is out in the cold for an extended period," says volunteer Shelley Christianson, "one good thing is that you don't want to bathe them. Cat or dog, you don't want to bathe them right away. Let them warm up to room temperature before you feed them. You don't want to feed them a lot. Different things like that with the cold weather because you don't want to shock their system and have it be detrimental to them." Christianson says that if your pet has short hair or is not a breed that acclimates to the cold, make sure your pets wear a coat or a blanket to keep them warm on their walks.