Never leave a dog or cat outdoors when the temperature drops dramatically, and keep very young or older pets inside as it is difficult for them to regulate their body temperatures.

Dogs and cats cannot tolerate winter weather without adequate shelter. If your pet is accustomed to staying outdoors be sure to provide a weather-proof enclosure large enough for your pet to stand up and lie down comfortably, but small enough to help retain your pet's own body heat. Make sure the shelter opening is facing away from the wind and provide cedar shavings or straw as insulation for the shelter floor.

Check drinking water for outdoor pets frequently--it freezes quickly.

Antifreeze made with the toxic chemical, ethylene glycol, can be fatal to pets and wildlife; animals and children are attracted to antifreeze because of its sweet odor and taste. To avoid poisoning, use an antifreeze made with a safer chemical, propylene glycol (such as Sierra Antifreeze), and always clean up any chemical spills. If you suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your pet can suffer irreversible poisoning very quickly.

Chemicals used to melt ice and snow can irritate or burn your pet's paws. Remove ice and snow when you return indoors and rinse your pet's feet in warm water and dry them thoroughly.

Some animals--especially cats--like to bask in the warmth of car engines. Before starting your engine, honk your horn or check underneath the hood of your vehicle to make sure that no one is sleeping inside.

Like people, pets can suffer from prolonged exposure to cold and ice. Frostbitten skin can blister or turn pink and then a whitish color when affected. But because your pet's hair will make it difficult to observe any skin changes, the best indication of frostbite is often a pet showing discomfort. If your dog or cat appears to have difficulty walking, its paws may be frostbitten. Contact your vet immediately.

Your pets give you so much warmth and joy during the cold-weather months. Please take the time to protect them this winter.

Special thanks to Dr. Craig Little of the Hunterdon Hills Animal Hospital and Dr. Barbara Day of the Madison Veterinary Hospital for providing information for this article.