-  Protect your pet from hypothermia.  Shivering is the first sign that your pet is too cold.  Other signs of hypothermia can include weakness and lethargy.  The gums may be pale or bluish.  Contact your vet immediately if you suspect hypothermia.

-  Avoid cold-related hazards that can seriously affect your pet by:
    -  Providing an insulated, dry shelter with blankets, pads and or straw on the floor where your pet can get out of he cold and wind.  Elevate your pets bed off of the ground or cold floor.
    -  Do not leave your pet outside for long periods of time on cold days and keep your pet inside when weather conditions are severe.  Pay attention to wind chill factor.
    -  Pets are susceptible to frostbite.  Remove ice and frozen mud from your pet.  Call a veterinarian for advice if your pet's skin is painful, turns reddish, white or gray.
    -  Avoid partially frozen ponds. lakes and rivers when walking or playing with your pet.
    -  Do not leave your pet in a parked vehicle for extended periods of time.  The temperature in the vehicle can dip too low.  If the engine is left running, your pet could be in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Leaving an animal in a car is not recommended any time for extended periods of time.
    -  Cats have been known to seek shelter under a warm car hood.  Be sure to check before starting your car.  You could honk your horn to scare off any animals that may be in there.
    -  Supplemental heat sources can seriously burn your pet or cause a fire if knocked over by a pet.  Make sure that your pet does not have access to portable heaters and fireplaces.
    -  You should provide additional calories for your pet if it spends a lot of time outdoors.  More calories are burned because of the extra energy required to keep warm in the cold weather.  Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding.
    -  Make sure you pet has access to plenty of fresh, unfrozen water.  A pet can become dehydrated in the winter just as easy as in the summer.  Eating snow in not an adequate substitute for your pets water requirements.