The worst thing to do to a dog in winter is to put him by a radiator and leave him there until spring. The dry air will ruin his coat and the heat will make him lazy and listless when he ought to be exercising. Indeed, a dog needs more exercise in winter than he does in summer. He also requires more food, including some oil in his diet, to insure a beautiful coat; this is due to the fact that there is less humidity in winter. If he's getting a regular diet of a good commercial dog food, you needn't worry about the oil; just be sure he gets as much food as he needs.

Some people make the mistake of thinking that dogs, like bears, should hibernate when December rolls around. Many also think it's wrong to wrap a sweater around a dog in winter. Nothing could be further from the truth. No dog, and particularly shorthairs, should be exposed to severe cold without some kind of cover. By severe cold we mean temperatures well below the freezing point.

Not only are sweaters essential, so are boots. Hunting dogs are generally preconditioned against the hazards of winter underfoot, but not the average home-dog. That's why you notice your dog limping or stopping short when he's walking on snow or ice. The snow burns his pads and gets between his toes, where it burns some more. Even worse than the snow and ice is the salt that is spread to melt the ice. A dog that is not used to snow and is going to be in it for any appreciable amount of time should be dressed in boots (available at most pet-supply stores). Failing boots, the pads should be washed in warm water to get rid of any salt, and dried carefully and thoroughly. Where there hasn't been any exposure to salt, it's enough to wipe the feet and dry them well.

No dog, including a Siberian Husky, should be exposed suddenly to very cold air. That is, you should never take a dog from the side of a radiator or fireplace, where the temperature is probably near 80, and rush him into freezing or sub-freezing out-of-doors. No dog—again including the Siberian Husky breed —can take such a change without getting sick, possibly seriously. Dogs are subject to just about all the winter ailments that affect humans, including pneumonia.

Unless the weather is too severe, dogs should be exercised every day in winter. If they can't be run, they should be walked at a good pace. If there is snow on the ground, be sure to keep them on leash. They love to run in snow and have a very bad habit of running into plowed roadways. Many dogs have been killed by cars on such roadways, because they were let off the leash.

Young puppies and very old dogs should never be taken out into severe cold. Old dogs should never be kept out too long. If you notice a sniffle or a runny nose, a cough or raspy breathing, don't lose time getting to your veterinarian. The dog could come down with a serious illness. In this regard, it's not a good idea to bathe a dog in winter. If he's so dirty that you can't stand it, give him a good brushing. If that doesn't do the job, try a dry shampoo. Never place a wet dog in a draft.

Where does your dog sleep in winter? His bed should be free of any drafts, off the floor, and away from direct heat, such as radiator or stove. He should have plenty of rugs or blankets, so that he can snuggle to his heart's content.

If your dog sleeps outside, his house should be checked against any cracks or holes. Make sure his bedding is off the ground. The floor should be well insulated and topped with straw or old carpeting or rug and there should be plenty of blankets.