It is nice to spend time playing with your pup outdoors, but keep an eye on the temperature.  If your pup begins lifting his paws out of the snow, or dancing around, it's time to go inside.  Don't leave him/her out alone for extensive periods, either.  He/she might have a fur coat, but their body temperature will still drop after some time in the cold.

If you do leave your dog outdoors for long periods, make sure that he/she has a proper housing unit.  The unit should be raised 1-2" off the ground and be completely enclosed with a rubber flap or other material for the door.  This ensures the animal has suitable protection from the elements.  Also make sure to line the housing unit with straw.  While blankets can seem cozy, they often freeze and will leave your animal shivering and potentially sick.  Straw will provide adequate insulation and stays nice and dry. 

Be cautious of your cats as well.  If he/she does get outside, make sure to watch the door and be ready to let him/her back in.  Cats can easily get frostbite on their ears, tails, and feet. 

No animal should be left outside over night- particularly in below-freezing temperatures.

Never leave an animal in your vehicle during the winter- cars can become fridges in no time.

 
Animals may require more food and water during the winter to provide them with the adequate calories to keep warm.  Be careful not to over-feed your pets, but if they do appear to be hungry or losing weight then provide them with enough food to keep them healthy and satisfied.  Animals that are kept outdoors during daytime hours will require more food than those who are kept indoors.  Providing them with the proper amount is the best way to help them maintain their body temperature.

Heated water bowls can also be purchased to prevent water from freezing outside.

When outside in the winter be sure to keep an eye out for antifreeze puddles.  When pouring your own antifreeze, be extremely careful not to let it drip or spill in your driveway.  Although we might know that chemicals are unsafe,  antifreeze actually smells like candy to our pets.  If ingested, it can be and usually is fatal.  Try buying an "animal-friendly" antifreeze the next time you re-fill, and suggesting the same to your friends and neighbours.  Better known as "non-toxic" antifreeze, these products use a different agent that is not so harmful to your pet. 

Taking your pup for walks in the cold weather is often the best way to get their winter exercise and limit their time in the cold.  However their paws can sometimes become irritated from both snow and salt on the roads.  Salt from the roads can actually burn their paws, so try gently wiping their paws with a warm, damp cloth to remove the salt when you return home. Cleaning their paws can also prevent them from ingesting it, as dogs often lick their paws to dry off.

Exercising your dogs in the winter is just as important as in the summer.  While the outdoors might not be as inviting when the temperature is below 0', dogs don't really mind spending some time outside with you. 

Try taking your furry friend on several shorter walks when the weather is cold.  Use a head halter or one that clips in the front for maximum control and comfort for your pup.  If he/she has a short coat, you might also want to invest in a jacket that he/she can wear to keep warmer.  Booties can also be purchased or made to prevent ice and salt from sticking to your pups' paws.  Check online for some easy guidelines for making booties and jackets with left-over material or old clothes.

Indoor activities can also be fun.  Purchase or make toys that can entertain your dog, cat, guinea pig, or rabbit for hours on end.  Toys that involve thinking are often the most engaging and most tiring for your pets.  You can find a variety of toys that hold treats and smells to intice your pet- that provide the challenge of attempting to get the treats out!  Or- try hiding small treats around the house for your pup to find.  Once he/she figures out the game, he/she can spend hours searching for the them.  You can even hide yourself! Playing hide-and-seek with your dog is excellent fun for both of you. 

For more great games that can strengthen your bond, go to www.ontariospca.ca and search under their "publications"- "fact sheets".  There is a long list of pet information, including games for both dogs and cats.

Finally, make an effort to bang on the hood of your car before you start it in the morning.  Stray and outdoor cats often look for warm places to hide or sleep.  In the winter months, they can sometimes make their way under the hood of vehicles.  The loud noise will wake them up, allowing them a safe escape.