What can you do? The best solution is simply to bring your animals indoors for the winter. Cats should be in the house or a heated structure at night. If it just isn't possible to bring the animals inside (or if they spend part of the day outside), they need shelter from the wind, rain, and snow. It is best to have dog runs, pet houses, and covered cat beds against the house. This helps retain warmth. If possible, the entrance of the shelter should face south, to get more sun. But make sure the entrance does not face into the wind. An L-shaped entrance will help keep the wind out of dog kennels. Dogs need a house or kennel that is big enough to stand up and turn in, but small enough to retain body heat. Cats like cozy beds they can curl up in, preferably placed on a dry mat that extends beyond the bed, so the cat will have a place to stretch. Anchor the shelter so it cannot blow away, and make sure it is elevated enough so that its floor stays dry. It is also possible to buy electrically heated mats and beds that are safe for outdoor use with animals. These are especially good for very young or very old animals, or animals that have arthritis or other conditions that benefit from warmth. Remember to keep your pet's shelter clean. Check it regularly for dampness, mold or mildew, and wash the bedding frequently.

Your dog still needs exercise during the winter. If there is snow on the ground, you can protect its feet with petroleum jelly or boots. After a dog has been out walking in the snow and ice, use a damp towel to remove any frost or road salt from the feet. Short-haired dogs may be more comfortable if they wear sweaters. During very harsh weather, decrease the amount of outdoor exercise time. And always remember to supervise your pet in the snow.

Neighborhood cats (and sometimes possums or other animals) will search for warm places, and often they will be drawn to the warm engine of a parked car. This can be a fatal attraction! As a precaution, bang on the hood of your car before you start it, to scare away any creatures who may have fallen asleep there. Remember that antifreeze is a deadly poison, but has a sweet taste that may attract both children and animals. Wipe up all antifreeze spills immediately. Better yet, switch to a nontoxic antifreeze.

And don't forget to provide adequate food and water for your animal. Although a desperately thirsty pet may try eating snow, this is not an appropriate source of water. Keep the water bowl in a location (near the pet's shelter) where it will not freeze. Use a heavy ceramic bowl rather than metal, as your pet's tongue could be injured by sticking to a cold metal surface. Outdoor pets usually need extra calories to help them stay warm during the winter. Animals that are on low- calorie diets may need to switch to regular food during the coldest months. Adding a small amount of vegetable oil to the food can help protect against dry, itchy skin. But if your pet is on a special diet, check with your veterinarian before making any changes.