Dogs are social animals who need companionship. Probably the best advise to protect your pet from winter's woes is to keep your dog inside your home 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.

Some tips for the winter care of your dog:

• Always provide fresh, clean water for your pet. If the weather is cold, please check their water for ice formation and remove the ice. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
  
• Indoor pets should be provided with a warm, dry area free from drafts. Provide bedding that is off cold floors.
  
• Staying warm requires extra calories because keeping warm depletes energy  Pets may need more food or a change in diet. Talk to your veterinarian about your pets needs.
  
• Remove ice, salt, mud and snow from your pets coats and feet as soon as possible. If the skin looks reddish, white or grey, is scaly or peeling, suspect frostbite and talk to a veterinarian immediately.
  
• If you allow your pet's coat to grow longer in the winter, frequent brushing is very important.   Scheduling more frequent appointments with your groomer will assure that your pet's coat stays in good condition. 
  
• Antifreeze smells good and tastes very sweet. It only takes a small amount to kill your pet. Thoroughly clean up any spills. Store antifreeze in tightly closed containers away from areas where pets and children could gain access.
  
• If your dog lives outdoors, it 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 off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Face the door away from the wind cover with waterproof burlap or rubber mat.
  
• Cats and kittens like to nap on warm places. This can include warm engines in parked cars.  Warm engines may also attract small wildlife, who 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.