TO THE EDITOR:

It won't be long until it's a winter wonderland outside. While we can throw on a sweater if we get chilly, our four-legged friends rely on us to keep them cozy and safe this winter. Please keep these winter-weather safety tips for cats and dogs in mind:

• Bring animals inside. Left outdoors, dogs and cats can suffer from frostbite, exposure, and dehydration when water sources freeze.

• Urge others to let their animals indoors. If they refuse, make sure they provide proper shelter: a wooden doghouse elevated several inches off the ground, stuffed with straw, and with a flap over the door.

• Bang on the hood of your car before starting the engine—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.

• Dogs need exercise even when the weather outside is frightful. Bundle up (doggie sweaters and booties can help Fido stay toasty) and clean off your animals' feet, legs, and stomach after they come in from walks. Salt and other chemicals can make animals sick if they ingest them while licking themselves.

For more tips, visit www.HelpingAnimals.com.

Lindsay Pollard-Post
Staff Writer
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)