Winter, with its bitter wind, rain and snow, is rapidly approaching.

Now is the time to check our dog houses, patching and repairing all cracks and leaks. It is also time for new, clean bedding – straw is the best and this bedding will need to be replaced often. Putting a board along the bottom of the door opening will help keep the bedding inside the house. Also, turning the door away from the wind helps protect your dog from the cold.

For those who still have not built or bought a dog house, there are some important things to remember. The house should be only large enough for the dog to walk in, turn around and lay down. If the house is that size, the dog’s body heat can warm the interior somewhat. When a dog house is larger than needed, your companion will suffer greatly from the cold weather this winter.

More ideas to help your dog; the door needs to be offset to one side, giving the dog a wall to lie behind; an over-lapping roof and small porch can also give your dog additional protection.

Cats also need a house, something they can get into, not just a box, with a blanket in the garage or barn.

High-quality food is very important and adding a tablespoon of corn oil can provide extra calories for warmth. Meat fat, drippings and bones are bad for dogs and cats and should be put in the garbage, not in your animals.

The need for a constant supply of fresh water cannot be exaggerated. To ensure that my dogs and cats have water at all times, I use heated bowls when possible. When that is not possible, I switch buckets frequently.

Once again I plead with you, please have your dogs and cats spayed and neutered.

Lucia Beeler

Cecilia