The following are a few seasonal winter tips to keep your dog safe, warm and healthy during these cold months.

As common sense will tell us, our pets need protection from inclement weather, just as their owners do.

• Don't leave your dog out unattended for periods of time when the temperature falls below freezing. Dogs need to adapt to the cold by growing a thicker coat and toughening up their paw pads for snow and ice.

• Just like you, they can fall victim to hypothermia and even frostbite. If your dog is whining and lifting up it's leg during your walks, he may be trying to tell you the snow and ice is bothering him. You can try a sweater and boots, but it's best to get them used to it before the cold weather hits.

• Dogs that have longer hair around their paws are susceptible to ice balls between their pads and toes of their feet. Apply a small amount of vaseline, Pam or cooking oil to their paws before taking them out in the snow. This will help stop ice balls from forming, make sure to use edible oil as your dog will inevitably lick their paws.

• Always wipe your dog paws after a walk as the salted streets are very irritating to them.

• Also, watch your dog's diet. During these cold months they seem to get exercise and can put on some weight. If this seems to be the case, check with your vet on the proper winter diet.

• And finally, let me caution all dog owners to the deadly effects of antifreeze. Please be extremely careful, because antifreeze is tasty to dogs but just a little bit can kill them.

Have a Safe and Warm Winter!

Barry Stewart

The Dog Trainer