In many parts of the country, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months.

Do not leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

No matter what the temperature, wind-chill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, which may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.

Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live
indoors with you and your family.

Info from The Humane Society of the United States

Winter can be hard on your four-footed friends. Don't assume that just because they have fur they can sit outside in the winter. Most of them can't.

Water. Active dogs need as much water, or even more, in the winter than they do in the summer. Make sure that outside water supplies do not freeze. De-icers are available from pet supply catalogs, and run from $15.00 to $40.00. You can also purchase them from hardware stores.

Antifreeze. Keep your pet away from antifreeze. Poisoning takes only a couple of licks. Antifreeze may lurk in your garage on your driveway.

Road Salt. Keep your pet away from road salt. This chemical compound can cause painful burns to an animal's feet, tongue, and mouth. Wash it off immediately. Long-haired dogs can track in the chemicals on their body hair.

Snow. Don't let your dog wander away in the snow. Scent, sound, and landmarks may become confusing, making it quite easy for dogs to become lost.

Keeping Warm . . .

During the winter, dog sweaters are great for keeping long hair clean, dry, and away of chemicals. They are also wonderfully warm and cozy. Also:

Keep beds and crates in a warm, draft-free area of the house.

Avoid frostbite by limiting the time your pet plays outside. Remove snow and ice immediately from your pet's paws, nose, and body. If skin is red and dry, apply an emollient to soothe it. If skin is white, cold, and painful to the touch, contact your veterinarian immediately. Frostbitten areas require slow thawing by frequently applying warm, moist towels.

. . . But not too warm.

Hot water bottles are the safest choice for contact heating.

Winter burns are common. Don't let your pet spend too much time in front of the fire. Even when heating pads set on low, they can burn your pet. Try to keep your pet away from the hot air that comes out of heating ducts. The hot, dry air often causes dry, flaky, itchy skin and dry nasal passages. Never leave your pet alone with electric or kerosene/propane space heaters. An accidental bump can result in terrible burns and/or a fire.

Outside dog houses. The most preferable place for your dog to be is inside with you, However, if he or she has to be outside, follow these suggestions:

Supply a well-insulated dog house that isn't so big that it lets out all of the dog's body heat. If a dog house has a wide open door, it won't keep out the wind. Choose the type of dog house that has a door on the side rather than in the front. Elevate the dog house slightly off the ground to prevent moisture from accumulating. Change the bedding regularly to keep it clean and dry.

Use nonmetal water bowls to prevent wet tongues from sticking. Get a warming device for the water bowl, and check it regularly to make sure it's working.

If your dog is an outdoor dog, and is old, arthritic, or sickly, do him or her biggest favor and invite the dog in for the winter.

Winter Diet. Check with your veterinarian about your pet's diet. Active dogs and outdoor dogs may require a more calorie-dense food to help them fight the elements.

Mosquitoes? In many places, mosquitoes are present even in the winter. Be sure to continue your pet's heartworm medicine if he or she is already on it, and if not, have your pet tested.

By Lori S. Mohr, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Don't forget the sweater!