If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s likely too cold for your dog, too.

• avoid leaving your dog outside unsupervised in frigid temperatures

• cold vehicles can act as refrigerators and your dog can freeze to death

After walking, wash your pet’s paws and belly:

• to remove harsh chemicals used on pavements

• ice melt contains harmful chemicals and can cause abrasions

• dogs may lick to clean their paws so be sure to rinse them off

Bathe your dog as little as possible during the colder months:

• washing too often can cause dry, flaky skin, especially in the winter months

• dogs secrete essential oils to keep their skin healthy during the dryer months

• if your dog does need to be bathed, be sure to ask your groomer to recommend moisturizing products

Thoroughly clean up any antifreeze spills:

• just like coolant, antifreeze is lethal to dogs and cats

• consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol

Consider using paw protectant balm or dog booties when taking your dogs out for a walk in freezing weather:

• brands like Musher’s Secret, Natural Dog Company, and VetPro Complete are great options when looking for a good paw protectant for your pups’ paws

Avoid letting your dog off-leash around snow or ice, especially in snowstorms:

• dogs can easily lose their way during a snowstorm because they lose their scent.

• more dogs go missing in the winter months than any other season! Keep your pups safe and on leash during this time.

• dogs inevitably find something interesting to chase or explore around frozen water sources, and then may find themselves falling through the ice.