Cold weather can be hard on your pets. We checked with the University of Minnesota Extension Service and read its advice. Here it is:

– Keep your pets away from antifreeze solution, and promptly clean up any antifreeze that spills. Antifreeze is attractive to pets and is deadly, even in very small amounts.

– Most urban pets spend the majority of their time indoors, and don&8217;t have tolerance for extremely cold weather. Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended when the temperature gets below freezing. Pets must build up a thicker coat and get their footpads toughened for snow and ice. Pets that get too chilled could develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite.

– Dogs with very short coats have the least tolerance for cold. Extremely short-coated breeds include greyhounds, Doberman pinschers, boxers, Boston terriers and Chihuahuas. These breeds shouldn&8217;t go outside without a sweater or a coat except for short times to relieve themselves.

– Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up his paws, whines or stops on his walks, his feet are uncomfortably cold. Be sure to get your dog used to wearing boots before cold weather sets in. Another frequently seen foot problem is the formation of iceballs between the pads and toes of the feet, especially in dogs with long fur. Once iceballs form, they are very painful, much like walking on rocks.

– If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, let him get acclimated gradually to dropping temperatures. Once a pet is acclimated to either warm or cold, a long dose of the other extreme is hard to take. Outdoor pets need a sheltered place that is well-bedded with dry straw, shavings, blanket strips or other insulating material that traps warm air. Also, remember that animals drag a lot of moisture into their bedding areas from snow, rain and mud. Check it often and change it whenever it is wet, or your pets can&8217;t keep themselves warm. Northern dog breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes who actually work in the winter pulling sleds need more calories.

The rest of the pet population generally gets less active in winter.

– Consequently, cut back a bit on what you feed your animals, or your vet will be nagging you in spring about your portly pets.

– Most cats prefer to spend winter indoors, but be cautious if your cat likes being outside. Don&8217;t let him out in bitterly cold weather, and be sure he has a warm place to go if he spends a lot of time outdoors.