Here are some suggestions for keeping your pooch safe and healthy during our current cold spell!

LIMIT OUTDOOR PLAYTIME IN EXTREME WEATHER
Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.

FROSTBITE
To prevent frostbite (most common on ears, tail and feet), don't leave your dog outdoors for too long. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, do not rub any frozen tissue; this will cause additional tissue damage. Seek veterinary treatment immediately.

OUTDOOR GEAR
Short-haired dogs, geriatric dogs, and dogs with health problems may need the protective warmth of a dog sweater or jacket during outside jaunts.

AVOID OFF-LEASH PLAY NEAR LAKES AND PONDS
Meteorologists in the Boston area have stated today (January 27, 2007) that although it's very cold now, temperatures in the Boston area have not been consistently low enough to thoroughly freeze most lakes/ponds. They may appear frozen, but they're not safe. Chances are, if you're reading this, you're one of those people who-- should little Mugsy or Muffy fall through, will do anything to save them, including going in after them! Play it smart and keep off-leash play away from semi-frozen bodies of water.

SKIN AND COAT CARE
You may find your indoor dog experiencing dry skin and shedding. This is usually the result of low humidity. Frequent brushing helps remove dead hair and stimulates oil glands. This helps to maintain insulation. When returning from outside, towel dry the dog, or-- if she'll tolerate it, consider gently blow drying her fur.

PAW CARE
Salt and other de-icers on sidewalks and streets can be irritating to paw pads, causing pain and possibly bleeding.If you notice, on your walks, your dog suddenly lifting his/her paw and not walking, it most probably is a case of salt, snow or ice lodged in his/her pads. Simply running your gloved finger between his/her pads usually solves the immediate problem, allowing little Mugsey or Muffy to continue the walk.

To help prevent this problem, before going outside, consider using a pad protection agent such as Musher's Secret, to protect the dogs pads. Some people use a light cooking spray (such as Pam) on the dog's pads. I've used this with a English Setter, and was amazed at how well a light spray prevented ice balls from forming between her hairy little pads. Booties may also be purchased, although some dogs strongly dislike them. My yellow lab, Bailey, a most agreeable canine, actually refused to walk to the park until I removed them from her paws!

The AKC recommends owners of long-haired dogs have the excess hair around the the dog's toes and foot pads trimmed for the winter. This will make the process of snow removal and cleaning much easier. It will also help to miniize the accumulation of snow balls.

When returning from outdoor walks or jaunts, be certain to remove packed snow or ice from between the toes of your dog's paw pads; this will help to prevent trapped moisture from causing sores between the pads.

After removing debris, rinse the dog's paws with warm water or gently wipe between the pads with a clean, warm cloth. I sometimes put warm water in a dish pan and dip each paw into the water. It's important to thoroughly dry the paws afterward. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly (e.g., vasaline) may soften pads and prevent cracking.

ADJUST DIET TO ACCOMODATE FOR LESS EXERCISE
Dogs housed indoors may require less food in order to maintain good body condition. Let's face it-- we, as dog owners, may be shortining their outdoor romps in order to prevent our own cases of frostbite!

However-- if you have one of those dogs who seem to get MORE active in the cold weather-- huskies-- for example, consider feeding her more food. It takes more energy in the winter to keep the body temperature regulated; therefore, additional calories are necessary in order for the dog to maintain her weight.

Provide plenty of fresh water. Even though it's not hot, dogs can get just as thirsty in the winter as in the summer. Their need for water is the same.

RUNNING ERRANDS
Don't leave your dog alone in a parked or idling car. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold. Leave the pooch home, where he'll be comfortably and eagerly waiting for your return.

KEEP DOGS AWAY FROM ANTI-FREEZE
Because of its sweet taste, dog's are attracted to antifreeze and lap it up when it is not properly disposed of. Antifreeze is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Store antifreeze where dogs cannot reach it. Don't allow your dog to drink from puddles or other places. Antifreeze often collects on driveways and roadways where anti-freeze may have been spilled. Antifreeze poisoning requires immediate veterinary treatment.

Stay warm and take good care of yourself too! Your dog needs you!

Some of the above information was retrieved on January 27, 2007 from the Purina Pet Care website: http://www.purina.com/dogs/safety/WeatherPrecautions.aspx.
Some information was retrieved on January 27, 2007 from the AKC website: http://www.akc.org/public_education/winter_care.cfm