Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Elvis romps around the exercise yard at Paws Along the River Humane Society. Dogs may be exercised in cold weather, but, according to Executive Director Karen Kolos, need extra shelter, food, and water, if they are to stay out.

At this time of year, there are some things people can do to make sure animals have a happy holiday season.

According to Paws Along the River Humane Society Executive Director Karen Kolos, a pet is not a good gift.

“We don’t want people to go in and add pets during the holidays,” Kolos said. “We want them to have their own time.”

Choosing a pet that may become a member of a household for 15 years is a very personal decision, she said, and that decision should not be made for someone else.

The humane society has a list of holiday tips for households that already have pets at pawsalongtheriver.org.

An animal’s need for warmth is not exclusive to holidays.

“If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your animal,” Kolos said. “They can freeze. They can become disoriented.”

That applies to dogs and cats, and much bigger animals including horses and cows.

While Kolos suggested that cats and most dogs be kept inside, that is not possible for some animals.

“Animals need shelter that will protect them from inclement weather,” she said. “Farm animals should have access to a barn and free access to water. For the animals that live outside, bedding is very important.”

She urged that bedding be checked frequently to make sure it is clean.

Food and water requirements also change in the winter.

Water supplies must be checked frequently. “It freezes often, so you have to change it often,” she said.

Outside animals need more food. “It is important to feed animals more in the winter months,” she said, adding that dogs that are kept indoors because of the weather might need a little less if they are getting less exercise.

Dogs still need exercise and can spend some time outside.

“Dogs can be exercise for periods of time,” Kolos said. The breed of the animal plays into how long it can handle low temperatures.

There are some steps people can take to make sure their pets stay healthy out in the snow and cold.

Some people put coats on their dogs. That’s not a bad idea, Kolos said. Paws should be checked for salt and anti-skid and owners may shave the fur between the toes of dogs whose paws collect uncomfortable balls of snow.

For dog owners looking for a place to let their animals run, “the humane society has this wonderful, fenced-in exercise yard,” Kolos said. “Call ahead and make arrangements.”

Keeping an outside dog in a garage may provide additional shelter from the elements, but it creates another danger. Anti-freeze is sweet and irresistible to them, but deadly, Kolos said.

“These animals need us to care for them,” she said. “Animals feel pain. They get cold. They get hot. They get jealous. They feel left out and sad.”

“Keep your animals inside,” Kolos said. “Pets are better off living as part of a family.”