Winter can be hard on your four-footed friends. Don't assume that just because they have fur they can sit outside in the winter. Most of them can't.

Water. Active dogs need as much water, or even more, in the winter than they do in the summer. Make sure that outside water supplies do not freeze. De-icers are available from pet supply catalogs, and run from $15.00 to $40.00. You can also purchase them from hardware stores.

Antifreeze. Keep your pet away from antifreeze. Poisoning takes only a couple of licks. Antifreeze may lurk in your garage on your driveway.

Road Salt. Keep your pet away from road salt. This chemical compound can cause painful burns to an animal's feet, tongue, and mouth. Wash it off immediately. Long-haired dogs can track in the chemicals on their body hair making the paw pads blead.

Snow. Don't let your dog wander away in the snow. Scent, sound, and landmarks may become confusing, making it quite easy for dogs to become lost.

Keeping Warm . . . During the winter, dog sweaters are great for keeping long hair clean, dry, and away of chemicals. They are also wonderfully warm and cozy. Also:

Keep beds and crates in a warm, draft-free area of the house.

Avoid frostbite by limiting the time your pet plays outside. Remove snow and ice immediately from your pet's paws, nose, and body. If skin is red and dry, apply an emollient to soothe it. If skin is white, cold, and painful to the touch, contact your veterinarian immediately. Frostbitten areas require slow thawing by frequently applying warm, moist towels.

. . . but not too warm. Hot water bottles are the safest choice for contact heating.

Winter burns are common. Don't let your pet spend too much time in front of the fire. Even when heating pads set on low, they can burn your pet.

Try to keep your pet away from the hot air that comes out of heating ducts. The hot, dry air often causes dry, flaky, itchy skin and dry nasal passages.

Never leave your pet alone with electric or kerosene/propane space heaters. An accidental bump can result in terrible burns and/or a fire.

Outside dog houses. The most preferable place for your dog to be is inside with you, However, if he or she has to be outside, follow these suggestions:

Supply a well-insulated dog house that isn't so big that it lets out all of the dog's body heat. If a dog house has a wide open door, it won't keep out the wind.

Choose the type of dog house that has a door on the side rather than in the front.

Elevate the dog house slightly off the ground to prevent moisture from accumulating.

Change the bedding regularly to keep it clean and dry.

Use nonmetal water bowls to prevent wet tongues from sticking.

Get a warming device for the water bowl, and check it regularly to make sure it's working.

If your dog is an outdoor dog, and is old, arthritic, or sickly, do him or her the biggest favor and invite the dog in for the winter.

Winter Diet. Check with your veterinarian about your pet's diet. Active dogs and outdoor dogs may require a more calorie-dense food to help them fight the elements.

Mosqitoes? In many places, mosquitoes are present even in the winter. Be sure to continue your pet's heartworm medicine if he or she is already on it, and if not, have your pet tested.