Provide dogs with proper shelter. Raise the house off the ground several inches and put a flap over the door to keep out cold drafts. Use straw for bedding rugs and blankets can get wet and freeze. Don't allow your cat or dog to roam freely outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb up under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are killed or badly injured when the car is started.
Animals can also become disoriented when there is snow or ice on the ground.
More animals are lost during the winter than during any other season. Also, be sure animals are free of internal parasites, which can rob them of vital nutrients. Animals are attracted to antifreeze because of its sweet taste, so be sure to promptly clean up spills. Clean off your dog's or cat's legs, feet, and stomach after coming in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make an animal sick if they are ingested while the animal grooms him- or herself.