The Dumb Friends League says reports of animal neglect related to cold weather increased about 25 percent since the beginning of November.

An average of 30 additional cases of neglect are reported each month during the colder weather, according to the Dumb Friends League.

Colorado State law requires that all animals have access to adequate shelter and fresh water at all times.

The Dumb Friends League urges concerned citizens to inspect an animal’s surroundings prior to filing a report.

The Dumb Friends League has issued the following safety tips to follow for your own pets:

If the temperature falls below 20 degrees it is best to keep your pet indoors.

Short-haired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees.

Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are poisonous if consumed. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet consumes antifreeze.

Regularly check your pet's water to make sure it is not frozen. When your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available. Animals cannot burn calories without a fresh supply of water, and if they cannot burn calories, they will get cold.

Use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard plastic water bowl rather than a metal one, as your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to a cold metal bowl.

Use a damp towel to wipe your pet's feet and underside. Ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of your pet's feet and can cause serious injury if ingested. 

Another way to protect your dog's feet is to spray the pads of their feet with cooking spray or you can purchase boots for your pet.

Provide a dry, draft-free doghouse if you must keep your dog outside for any period of time.  It should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lay down comfortably but small enough to hold in its body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. 

Keep your pet's coat well groomed.  Matted fur won't properly protect your pet from the cold.

Slap the hood of your vehicle before starting it. In their search to keep warm outdoors, cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire. 

Keep snow from piling high next to your fence. A packed snowdrift will provide a boost for your dog to jump over the fence and escape the safe confines of your yard.

Consider the amount of exercise your dog receives during colder weather. If your dog stays indoors more, it's probably getting less exercise and may need less food; however, if your pet is outside often it may need more food to burn the calories necessary to produce more body heat.