In the summer we worry about keeping our dogs and cats cool, come winter it's time to think about keeping them warm and dry. Here's what you should know about keeping your pets safe in winter weather.

Cozy Pets
The simplest and best way to make sure your pets stay warm this winter is to keep them inside, especially at night. Older dogs, puppies, and dogs with certain diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney problems should not be kept outside. All cats should remain indoors.

Some Dogs Like Cold Weather
Some dogs tolerate cold weather better than others. Dogs bred in cold climates, Alaskan Malamutes for example, and other long-haired dogs are among those suited for cold weather. Short -haired and toy dogs will have a particularly hard time in the cold.
Cold weather coats for dogs

Snowy Climates Pose Extra Trouble for Dogs
Snow and ice can pose problems for dogs. Snow can get packed between dog's toes and freeze, causing pain and discomfort. To avoid this problem, keep the hair between the toes cut short.

Keeping nails cut short also helps. Shorter nails allow for better traction. If the dog is slipping it tends to splay the toes, which causes more snow to pack between them. Shorter nails will also make it easier for the dog to walk on icy sidewalks.
High Quality Nail Trimmers

If you are walking your dog on sidewalks or streets that have been salted to melt ice, be sure to wash his paws when you return. The salt can be drying and irritating to the paws.
Protect paws with Muttluks
Cold weather boots for dogs

If you deice your own sidewalks, there is a pet-safe alternative called Safe Paw Ice Melter, which is also more environmentally friendly than salt.

Provide Adequate Shelter for Outdoor Dogs
If a dog must be kept outside during the day, be sure to provide proper shelter.

An oversized dog house or shed will not retain enough heat. The house should be just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.

Do not use blankets for bedding. These will just get wet and freeze. Clean straw or hay is preferable.

Position the house on the south or east side of the house if possible, out of the wind. Putting it on a raised platform will also keep it a little warmer.
Insulated Dog Houses

Ice Water Not Dog Friendly
Remember that the dog's water may freeze if left outside. Putting the water in a deep container helps keep it from freezing. Also plastic is a better choice in this case, as metal conducts the cold quicker. Dark colors will absorb more heat and slow the freezing. Be sure to break up any ice on the surface of the water in the mornings.
Heated water bowls keep water free of ice

Even Parked Cars Pose Dangers to Pets
Are you aware of the dangers of antifreeze? Ethylene glycol based antifreeze is deadly to cats and dogs! Be sure to keep containers tightly capped and out of reach. Wipe up any spills immediately. For the safest bet, use one of the alternative products made with propylene glycol instead.

Outdoor cats will look for any warm spot to curl up. Some have learned that cars and trucks offer warm nooks. They will crawl up into the wheel-wells or engine compartments. Banging on the hood before you get in your car is a good idea in case you have a stowaway.

Inside Hazards to Cats and Dogs
Indoors, pets will often curl up next to heaters or under wood stoves. Watch out for tails and fur getting too close to heating elements!

Cats sometimes jump up on wood stoves, causing burns to their paws. They don't usually perform that trick more than once.

If you are going to have a Christmas tree, you may want to take some precautions with it. Never having had a tree, I really can't imagine how well they do in homes with cats. I suppose it depends on how adventurous your kitty is.

Anchoring the tree to the wall is a good precaution. Avoid using tinsel, as it is very enticing to cats and can be dangerous if ingested. Start hanging decorations a few feet from the bottom of the tree. You might want to rethink placing gifts under the tree if you have a puppy. Don't use string or dangling ribbons on packages if you have a cat. Cover the base of the tree to keep animals from drinking the water.

There is debate over the toxicity of Poinsettias. Even if they are not deadly, the sap is an irritant and will probably make the animal sick. Holly and mistletoe berries are poisonous; so keep them out of reach of pets.

Since holiday time always means lots of food, be extra vigilant about leaving food items unattended, especially treats containing chocolate.

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