• Does your dog need a coat? Well, that depends on the dog. The dogs in our urban area are used to being indoors. They will feel the cold as temperatures drop and some will be well prepared because they have been wearing long coats all summer, or they are genetically ready for cold weather. Others need you to protect them from the harsh winter elements. Keep the hair around a dog’s paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets. Check your dog’s paw pads for small cuts and cracks. Consider dog boots or protective sprays to shield them from snow removal products. Clean your dog's paws after walks to remove salt and snow removal chemicals, which can be toxic to pets. Check your dog's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian. Invest in a good winter coat for shorthaired breeds. Watch for telltale signs that your pet is cold. Like us, pets will shiver in response to being chilled. Don't keep your dog outside in all conditions. Pay attention to the thermometer. If it dips too far below freezing, it's too cold for any dog - even those accustomed to being outside. Like a child, sometimes they need to be told when it’s time to go in. Not all breeds are alike. While some breeds such as Alaskan Malamutes or Huskies may be able to spend long periods out of doors in cold weather, other breeds such as Greyhounds or Dobermans do not have the same protective fur. Don't leave pets alone in cars during cold weather months. When the engine is off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.