With the winter cold upon us, here are a few things you can do to help protect your dog this season.

First, don’t leave pets outside. Although they have fur that helps keep them warm, they’re still vulnerable to freezing through their underbellies, ears, tails and paws. Hypothermia and frost bite are serious dangers when the temperature falls.

• The wind chill matters, too. Even dogs with heavy coats are at risk when the wind chill drops. Windy days whisk away body heat more rapidly than calm days.

• Keep your dog warm while exercising him. Short-haired dogs in particular can benefit from wearing a sweater or jacket when going for walks. Foot booties are also available to keep dogs of all breeds from getting frozen paws.

• The salt chemicals used to melt snow and ice can injure your dog. Calcium chloride, which is commonly used in sidewalk salt, heats up to 175 degrees when it contacts ice or water. Salt crystals that are mistakenly eaten by your dog can burn his skin, mouth, and stomach, especially when he comes indoors and licks at his paws. To avoid this, wipe off his feet with a towel and remove any snow stuck between his pads. Also you can switch to a pet-safe ice melting product, such as Safe Paw .

• Anti-freeze is toxic to pets. It’s sweet taste may attract animals and children, so wipe up any spills and make sure the container is locked away. For a non-toxic alternative, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol.

The best way to keep your dog healthy and safe this winter is to keep him indoors with you. The happiest dogs go outside for frequent walks and exercise in all seasons, but are kept indoors with their family the rest of the time.