It's that time of year again, the weather is changing and it's getting colder outside. It's time to remember our furry companions and keep them safe as we start preparing for the cold weather.

Antifreeze is perhaps the biggest danger to you dog, cat, or wild animals. First, because it's so sweet smelling and attractive, and second, because it's so deadly. If the antidote isn't given within 24 hours, your dog, or any other animal who has ingested the antifreeze will die. When storing antifreeze, put it well out of reach. Periodically check beneath the car: antifreeze leaking from a hose is just as dangerous as when it pours from the bottle. You may want to use a new, less toxic antifreeze. It's still poisonous, but not as much as the traditional kind.

Winter isn't the season where your dog should be sleeping outside. Unless, of course, your dog is one of the breeds suited for cold climates, and even then would enjoy the warmth of the house on the coldest of nights. Bring your dog inside to sleep. If your dog is older it would be better to bring it inside during the cold weather. Your older dog has given you so many years of happiness, return this by making sure that your older dog is comfortable during the cold weather.

You can set up a warm, comfortable bed for your dog inside by getting a dog bed, or using blankets. If your dog isn't accustomed to being inside, you still can do something to be able to make your dog more comfortable during the cold weather. Here are a few suggestions:

• Train your dog to sleep in a wire or plastic travel kennel.

• Set up an area in your home for your dog to sleep. Use baby gates to block off doorways if you need to confine your dog to one room or area.

• Set up an area in your garage or workshop. Make sure that all toxins such as antifreeze, slug bait, pesticides, cleaners, kerosene, painting products, household cleaners, etc. are well out of reach from your dog.

The best solution of all is to include your dog as a part of your family. Let your dog live inside with you. What better place to be than to be part of it's own "pack." This is where your dog really should be is inside with the people it loves. There's nothing better than a warm bed and your dog to cuddle to on a cold winter's night.

During the winter months, dogs require the same amount of grooming as they do for the rest of the year. Don't forget to brush your dog's coat regularly, cut nails, clean ears, and brush those teeth. If you have a short hair dog or keep it in a short style, you may want to purchase a sweater or coat for your dog. Some breeds such as greyhounds, chihuahuas, Chinese Crested, and other short hair breeds don't do very well with handling the cold weather. If you have your dog's coat styled in a short look, you may want to have your groomer leave it a little longer to keep your dog warm.

The holidays are just around the corner. When decorating, keep your animals in mind. You want to make sure that all electrical cords are out of reach so your dog, or other animals can't chew on them. Keep decorations, candles, packages, and food up and out of reach from your animals as well. Let's enjoy the holiday season, but keep our animals healthy and safe!