or salt crystals. these can get stuck between your dog's pads and cause a lot of pain for him or her.
winter coat - do not shave your dog down to their skin during the colder months. if you are used to giving your dog a short trim, shorten the cut during this time of year so that they can have more protection against the cold and wind. if you have a short-haired dog, it is best to have a sweater for them to wear when going outside. also, when you bathe your dog during the winter, do not let him or her outside until they are totally and completely dry. 