A massive winter storm is moving across the eastern U.S., with snow, sleet, freezing rain or ice expected to affect at least half the country.

32-45 degrees Fahrenheit: You can take your dog for a walk, but consider limiting it to 30 minutes. 20-32 degrees Fahrenheit: It may be OK to take your dog for a walk, depending on its breed and size. Limit walks to 15 minutes.

You better dress warm if you're clearing ice and snow from your sidewalk. Here's what to know.

As millions of Americans hunker down for the winter storm, 19 states and Washington, D.C., have declared states of emergency.

Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be more resistant to cold, while dogs with thin coats are more susceptible to cold, according to PetMD. It's also important to keep in mind that puppies, sick dogs and older dogs face a greater risk in the cold, as it's more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature.

Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.

Ahead of a winter storm predicted to affect Western North Carolina, here's what pet owners should know about keeping their furry friends safe.

As Greater Cincinnati braces for heavy snowfall from Winter Storm Fern, experts weigh in on the best practices to safely shovel.