Veterinarian Offers Tips On Protecting Our Dogs In The Cold

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- With subzero temperatures, it's important to make sure you're taking care of your four-legged friends.

Jean Geske is a veterinarian at the Bloomington pet hospital. She says putting a sweater or socks on your dog is a good idea.

"It's not just a fashion fad," Geske said. "It is necessary for some dogs, especially the short-haired dogs that don't have an under-coat," she said.

She also recommends putting "musher oil" on their paws.

"It helps protect their paws so that they don't dry out and crack," she said.

Washing and drying the paws is helpful as well.

She also says make sure to give your animal plenty of water as the dry winter months can be hard on them.

"Eating snow isn't the same as fresh water," she said.

Also remember that just as in the summer, when it can be dangerous to leave your pet in a car, it's also potentially deadly in the winter.