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Green Bay-- The Bay Area Humane Society stopped by NBC26 Today with Bernie the beagle and some tips on keeping animals safe and healthy in the cold winter months.

Bernie the Beagle from the Bay Area Humane Society might be an older gentleman, but he still has quite a lot of spunk in him. He loves his long walks, and enjoys following his people around. He is very sociable and loves to be around people of all ages. Cats and other dogs don't phase him. If you can give Bernie a spot on a soft couch, and a belly rub, he will be faithfully yours forever. He is housebroken, great on a leash, and listens well. Please consider Bernie as part of your household for the holidays, and forever more!

Cold Weather Tips

1. Why is it important to keep your cat inside?

Outdoor felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, or injured. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

2. Why is it important to keep your dog on a leash during a winter storm?

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, expecially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

3. Why should you wipe off your dog's legs, feet and stomach?

Removing the snow and ice from your dog's body is important because they could get frost bite. They could lick their feet and their feet could have salt or antifreeze on them causing them to get sick. If their feet are full of snow, the dog's paw pads could bleed.

4. Should you shave your dog's hair short for winter?

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

5. Is it safe to leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather?

NO! It is NOT safe at all, it can be very dangerous. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a acar during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze.

6. Can puppies tolerate the cold weather like adult dogs?

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter.

For more information visit BayAreaHumaneSociety.com