Theodore is available for adoption from PAWS & More Animal Shelter in Washington.

As you take your pooch out for walks this winter, it’s important to make sure they don’t spend too much time outside, or bring unwelcome elements inside.

While it might sound sensible to put a coat on a cat or dog before taking them outside, PAWS & More Animal Shelter Director Amber Talbot says animals can actually grow irritated with these accessories, especially cats. Talbot also mentions not to put clothes on your pet and then leave them outside to wander without supervision. This could put your pet at risk for frostbite if their clothes get wet, or they may even try getting out of a sweater or coat and get caught in a way that risks suffocation. Talbot gives this advice for taking pets outdoors, “The easiest thing to do that’s going to provide the best protection to your animal is simply cleaning their paw pads every time you come back in. Especially when you’re out in the community if you’re on sidewalks and streets where there’s probably salted surfaces, and even that sand they may be used through the winter months can be extremely harsh on their paw pads. So just keeping their paw pads clean and also preventing ice pack in between their toes is pretty common. Our long haired dogs tend to get build up of ice in between the toes so that can become a matted, very uncomfortable situation for them.”

If you do put boots on your dog’s paws, Talbot warns to not have them fit too tight, or else they could risk cutting off the dog’s circulation with potential for frostbite. She also reminds about protecting pets from extreme cold temperatures with a warm, dry, draft-free shelter, with plenty of food and water.