The winter weather is upon us and it is important to protect your pets from the rain and cold. Even indoor pets can have problems. So, whether your pet lives indoors or outdoors, follow these tips to protect them this winter.

• If possible, keep your cat indoors. Outdoor cats can freeze, if not protected from severe weather. They may choose to sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warmer. Then, when the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. To prevent this, bang on the hood or honk the horn of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the engine.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your pet could freeze to death.
• Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisonings, more and more people are using animal-friendly products.
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when they come in out of the rain, snow or ice. Check their pads for injury from snow or ice. Also, salt, antifreeze or other chemicals could hurt your dog if ingested while licking the paws.
• If you own a shorthaired breed, consider getting a warm coat or sweater for them. Keep it clean and dry. Most shorthaired breeds should not live outdoors 100% of the time. If they do have to be outdoors, make sure they have adequate shelter from the elements – a doghouse with bedding, and of the correct size (1 ½ times larger than the dog).
• If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only long enough to relieve himself.
• Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper-train your new puppy inside and then move outdoors as weather permits.
• If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase the food amount, to meet the caloric needs and keep them from losing weight. If your dogs coat is not thick and healthy appearing, try increasing the protein content of the diet.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style, which provided more warmth. If you bath your dog, make sure they are completely dry before taking them outdoors.
• Lastly, make sure your pet has a place to sleep that is free from all drafts, and preferably off the floor – in a dog or cat bed or basket with a blanket or pillow in it.