Winter With Your Dog: 6 Cold-Weather Habits Worth Keeping

A fur coat is not a snowsuit. Some dogs love winter and some are miserable in it, and both need a little help from you.

1. Judge the cold by your dog, not the calendar

Small, short-coated, very young and senior dogs get cold quickly. Northern breeds can stay out much longer.

Watch out for: shivering, lifting paws, slowing down or turning for home.

2. Protect the paws

Ice, salt and de-icing chemicals irritate pads and are harmful if licked off.

Do this: wipe paws and belly with a damp towel after walks. Booties or paw balm help dogs who will tolerate them.

3. Keep antifreeze out of reach

It tastes sweet and is highly toxic, even in small amounts.

Do this: clean up spills in the garage and driveway right away.

4. Add a layer if they need one

A fitted coat or sweater makes a real difference for thin-coated dogs.

5. Keep them visible

Winter walks often happen in the dark.

Do this: a reflective collar or a clip-on light, and a leash near roads and frozen water.

6. Do not skip exercise

Shorter outdoor walks plus indoor games keep weight and boredom down.

Where to check all of this, free

• Your veterinarian.

• The American Veterinary Medical Association's cold weather animal safety page at avma.org.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian knows your dog best.