REMEMBER PETS: We know we’ve had a few warmer days this week, but it was only about a week ago that temperatures dipped below freezing at night.

We humans complain all day long about the weather. We complained this week about the cold and snow and ice. Then when it warmed up, we complained about the rain and the seemingly endless flows of water that came from every direction. Seriously, where did all that water come from?

Then there’s our pets; they never complain. But that means they can’t tell us when they’re uncomfortable. Or hurt or sick.

What we’re saying is, don’t forget about them during the forever changing weather that defines rural Pennsylvania. When you look out your window, stop and think, “How’s (insert dog/cat/lizard name here) going to handle this?”

Smithtown, N.Y.-based animal rescue organization the Guardians of Rescue shared a few pet safety tips:

• Shorten your dog’s walk when it’s very cold to help protect you both. Elderly pets may also have a difficult time walking on snow and ice.

• Short-haired pets will usually feel the cold more than those with more fur and body fat. Keep this in mind when it comes to determining how long to take them for a walk. If your dog will allow it, put a sweater on them when taking them out on very cold days. When bringing your pet back in from a walk in the snow or on ice, be sure to wipe them down to remove any deicing chemicals that may be on their fur.

• Pets should always be indoors during freezing temperatures. Once the temperature drops below 40 degrees, pets should be brought indoors. For those who cannot keep their dog inside, opt for having a heated dog house, so they are kept warm during the winter.

• Pay attention to the dogs in your community left outdoors without proper shelter. They suffer horribly and need people to stand up and speak out for them. Such situations should be reported so they can be investigated.

• A common deadly substance that pets come in contact with is antifreeze. Because it has a pleasant taste to them, they will drink it, making it crucial that any spilled on the ground is quickly cleaned up. Also, pets should never be left alone in a vehicle during the cold weather.

To learn more, see Guardians of Rescue website atwww.guardiansofrescue.org. Also, a new show about the organization — “The Guardians” — premiered at 10 p.m. Jan. 7 on Animal Planet.