Winter safety tips for pet owners.

• Position: Your Life

When the weather outside turns cold and snowy, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reminds you to think about your pet's safety and recommends the following guidelines to protect your companion animal:

* Keep cats inside. Outdoor cats can freeze, get lost, or be stolen, injured, or killed. During the winter months, cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars where it is warmer. Before starting the car, bang loudly on the hood and wait a few seconds to give the cat a chance to escape.

* Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in these conditions and easily can become confused as to their whereabouts. More dogs are lost in the winter than any other season, so make sure they always wear I.D. tags.

* Thoroughly wipe off dogs' legs, paws, and stomach when they come in out of the sleet, snow, or ice. Salt can irritate paws and antifreeze or other chemicals could be toxic if ingested.

* Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle thoroughly. To prevent accidental poisoning, use animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center...