It's Monday here in Japan. The Super Bowl is over, and the weather outside is cloudy and cold! I have a pot roast in the crock-pot, and the house smells good. Warm food, good smells, winter cold - don't they just go together? But, when the weather outside is frightful, inside your home is hopefully warm and so delightful! Don't forget to protect your kitties, pooches, and all other furry little friends by following a few tips when the temperature takes a dip.

• Never leave you dog, cat, or any other animal friend alone in a car in very cold weather! A car can act as a refrigerator and your animal could freeze. Make sure that when you get out of the car, your pet comes along.
• Wipe off your dog's paws, legs, and stomach when he comes in from the snow, ice or rain. Salt or other chemicals might make your dog sick if he swallows them while licking his paws. What's more, his paw pads are sensitive and might bleed if snow or ice covers them.
• No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten our pets life. Our dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow your dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
• Keep water fresh. Pets (and people) burn a lot of energy keeping warm in the winter, and need extra water to keep from getting dehydrated.
• The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. As we all know, dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship.

Do you have tips for winter pet care?