Cold Weather Tips:

Wintertime can be a wonderful time to spend outdoors with your dog enjoying the snow, scenery and weather. But it is also a time to be careful and address your dog's additional cold weather needs.

Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Short-haired dogs may need a doggy sweater.

Don't leave your dog outside for extended periods. The wind chill factor will make the days colder than actual temperature readings indicate.

Watch out for frostbite if you live in an extreme weather area. Signs of frostbite include red or gray skin that may slough. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for care and treatment if you suspect your dog has frostbite.

Snow and ice are never a substitute for fresh water. Always provide fresh water for your dog.

A brisk walk during the cold weather is a great pick-me-up and may be a necessity to relieve cabin fever in some parts of the country. If your dog gets wet from the rain or snow, dry him off, and clean out the area in between the footpads. Rock salt can irritate the footpads, so be sure to rinse and dry paws after taking a walk.

Be extra careful if you walk your dog near frozen lakes or rivers. Your dog could slip and become trapped in the icy waters.

Antifreeze is a dangerous substance for your dog. It tastes sweet to your dog, who may lick up a spill, so clean up any antifreeze in the garage or driveway and keep containers out of reach. If your dog ingests any amount of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Even small doses of antifreeze can be lethal.

Many dogs will naturally seek out a warm spot by the fire. Be sure to have an adequate fire screen in place, so sparks do not fly out and injure your dog. Portable heaters can severely burn your dog as well, so keep them out of your dog's reach.