QUINCY, IL -- Veterinarian Bill Koch also says animals need extra attention during winter weather.

Food, water, and shelter are the most important things to keep track of.

If you can...bring animals inside on chilly days.

And if your pet is outside give them proper shelter and something to lie on like a blanket or straw.

Plus make sure the dog house is not facing north.

Dr. Koch says your animal burns more calories when it's cold, so there are some important things you need to remember.

" They're energy demands are greater to keep their bodies warm. You can either increase the amount of food they're getting or can increase the density of it and by that I mean you can increase the carbohydrates protein level of it maybe adding a little oil to it or a little hard boiled egg or just getting a dog food that's carrying a little higher energy level," he told KHQA.

Make sure your animal has plenty of water, and if your pet is outside, check on it several times to make sure the water isn't frozen.

If you live in rural areas and leave your cats outside, knock on the hood of your car a couple of times.

A cat may have crawled into the engine to keep warm.

    And putting down salt is a good way to melt the ice on your sidewalks,

but it can be bad for your pets.

Dr. Koch says all salt and calcium products can cause irritation or burning, and feel like a large splinter in the pads of their feet.

Their pads can get dry and cracked, just as your skin can in winter weather.

If you notice your pet limping or grooming his paws excessively, Dr. Koch says wash or soak the area in cold water and then apply vaseline or your every day skin lotion...just like you would use for dry skin.