It has been mighty cold here in the Northwest this last week. I realized just how cold when I took my four dogs for a walk yesterday. The sun was shining and the sky was clear, I was thinking sun means warmth, however  reality hit when the bitter cold wind slapped me full force as I stepped outside. I did have the foresight to put sweaters (made by their grandma) on each dog. My two biggest have very little hair and are at their appropriate body weight, meaning less fat to keep them warm. I did not, however, have the foresight to bring gloves with me. My fingers were like little icicles. Needless to say, we walked very fast yesterday.Later as my fingers were trying to thaw out, I began to think about how the cold weather affects our pets. I am happy they like the outdoors but want to take precaution against the elements as well, so I went online and found a few cold weather tips for your furry companions: Outerwear:Short-hair or extremely short-hair dogs should have some kind of outerwear if they are going to be outside for length of time. Larger dogs such as the Grey Hound Dobermans, Boxer, or Bully Breeds and smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas, miniature Pinschers, and miniature Dachshunds are the most venerable and should not go out in extreme temperatures.  Paw care:If your dog should start to lift their feet off the ground, whining or dancing from paw to paw or stops when walking, then you should consider booties. Get your dog used to these earlier in the year when the weather is no so extreme. Once they are used to the booties, they will appreciate the effort. Watch for ice balls on longer haired dogs. These can be painful and feel like small rocks in between their toes. Keep the fur trimmed around the pads of their feet and in between the toes. You can also apply cow balm or Vaseline to their feet before hitting the snow bound paths or trails. Cooking spray does the trick as well. Be sure that anything you apply is safe for your dog to eat. If your walking your dog on salted sidewalks or roads be sure to wash their feet when you get home. Salt can irritate and crack the dogs foot pads. Outdoor pets:If you must keep your dog outside for any length of time, be sure they have the appropriate shelter. A covered dog house or shelter is the best. Keep these supplied with dry bedding, such as straw, blankets or strips of blankets. Since the dog goes in and out, they are bringing in the wetness with them, so make sure these items are changed on a regular basis. Keep your dogs weight up as this provides a layer of fat that can be beneficial to the outdoor temperatures. Provide plenty of clean water and check frequently to make sure it is not iced over. Most of all be aware of the cold temperatures and prepare accordingly. A little prevention goes a long way to happy, healthy pet.