Housing. It is important to provide your pet with proper shelter. If your dog or cat lives in the house, place his bed or crate in a warm, safe place, away from drafts. For outdoor pets, make sure they have a well-insulated house that is both water and windproof. The house should be elevated off the ground so moisture can't seep inside. Install a door flap to protect against blustery drafts and gusts of wind. Extra blankets and even straw will increase your pet's comfort and warmth. Even better, consider bringing pets inside!

Antifreeze. A tiny lick of antifreeze off a driveway or gutter can kill your dog or cat. Antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol, attracts pets with its sweet smell and taste. Check to make sure your car is not leaking antifreeze. Clean up any spills immediately and keep containers tightly closed and stored in a safe place. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

Food. Because cold weather depletes an animal's energy, outdoor pets may need to consume more calories than usual. Talk to your veterinarian about what's right for your pet.

Water. Although the weather may be wet and cold, your pet still needs fresh, clean water available at all times.

Outdoor Cats. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.