All animals, wild and domestic, are naturally attracted to sweets. While the taste of antifreeze is sweet, it is also poisonous. Clean spills up quickly. Or, even better, purchase antifreeze that is "pet safe."

Sidewalk salt is caustic to animal paws. It can burn the paws as well as make the animal sick when they lick their paws. Shovel regularly and use a less hazardous substance such as kitty litter.

As the daylight hours become shorter, use a reflective collar on your dog when walking in the evening. A jacket with reflective tape for you, along with a flashlight will keep both of you safe.

If your dog is outside in a doghouse , be sure the house is well insulated, off the ground, facing south with a flap over the door. If you have a dog house to donate to a less fortunate animal, please call the shelter. Always remember to bring your dog inside during freezing temperatures. They need to be safe and warm and remember, animals going outside, even for short periods in bad weather, should have an increase of fat in their diet. This will help maintain body heat.

During the holidays, keep chocolate out of the reach of dogs. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and can kill them. Call your vet immediately if your dog does ingest a large quantity.

Do not feed your dogs bones as a holiday treat. Bones can splinter and lodge or cut the throat, stomach and intestinal tract.

While traveling with your companion animal, be certain to have an identification tag with information on where you can be reached quickly.