By Bernadine Cruz, D.V.M.

(NAPSI)-When the season moves into winter, people adjust their routines and plan for colder weather. At the same time, take a few minutes to prepare your pets for the changing seasons. The following is a list of do's and don'ts to help you give your pets the cold-weather care they deserve. Do provide proper shelter. If you can't keep your dog indoors during winter months, provide an elevated structure with a door to protect him from wind and extremes in weather. Provide dry, clean bedding materials such as straw or blankets, and replace bedding if it becomes damp or wet. Find a house large enough for your dog to be able to stand up and turn around, but small enough to retain body heat. Do use caution around bodies of water. Keep pets away from rivers, ponds and lakes as the water begins to freeze. Continue to use caution even when the water appears completely frozen. Do check your dog's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may be feeling the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian. Do provide adequate fresh, unfrozen water. If your dog lives outside, consider investing in a heated water bowl. Indoor dogs also may require more water to combat dry winter air. Do keep identification tags updated in the event your dog runs away. Do clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even small amounts can be lethal. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take him to your veterinarian immediately. There may be time for Antizol-Vet, an antifreeze antidote, to help your dog. Also consider using an animal-friendly antifreeze. Do visit your veterinarian for a checkup before the cold weather strikes. Cold weather may exacerbate certain conditions, such as arthritis. Don't assume that your dog feels fine. Dogs that appear to move more slowly in the fall, winter and early spring may actually be exhibiting signs of osteoarthritis, and should be checked by a veterinarian. Arthritis affects one in five adult dogs-more than eight million in all. Do know the signs. Osteoarthritis is a painful, degenerative joint disease, and signs can be subtle and easily missed. Early signs may include lagging behind on walks, limping, appearing stiff after activity and difficulty climbing stairs. Signs of severe, more advanced arthritis may include soreness when touched, unwillingness to rise from a resting position, yelping or whimpering in pain, acting aggressive or withdrawn, or exhibiting other behavioral changes. Do consider providing pain relief for dogs diagnosed with arthritis. Rimadyl® (carprofen) was the first nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of its class cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in over a decade to relieve the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis in dogs. Rimadyl has provided real relief for more than a million dogs. Signs of Rimadyl intolerance may include appetite loss, vomiting and diarrhea, which could indicate side effects involving the digestive tract, liver or kidneys. Some of these side effects, like those of many other NSAID-class medications, may occur without warning and, in rare situations, may be serious, resulting in hospitalization or even fatal outcomes. In actual field use, the reported rate of all side effects for Rimadyl has been less than one percent. If these signs occur, discontinue Rimadyl therapy and contact your veterinarian. See important "Information for Dog Owners" and the attached product infill for prescribing information. Your veterinarian can help you decide if Rimadyl is right for your dog. For more information, visit the Rimadyl website at www.rimadyl.com, or call 1-800-720-DOGS. -Bernadine Cruz, D.V.M., is an associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, Calif. She specializes in small-animal medicine and has been practicing veterinary medicine for more than 16 years. She also serves as a volunteer veterinarian for a number of organizations and has done veterinary consulting for national television programs.

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