Cold weather, warm paws: Vets urge pet owners to protect dogs ahead of cold outbreak

MAINE (WABI) - As you embrace for the cold weather, don’t forget to protect your furry friends as well.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, when you let your dogs outside, make sure you have a towel to dry them off when they come back in.

Prevent shaving your dog in the winter as well so that there fur coat can provide them more warmth.

Also check their paws regularly as the cold weather can make their paw pads crack and bleed.

If you do decide to take your pets out for a walk, keep it short. You can also dress them up in sweaters and put booties on their paws to keep them warm.