Author: Erik Christian Olstad, University of California, Davis

Time outside with your dog in the spring, summer and fall can be wonderful. Visiting your favorite cafe downtown on a cool spring morning, going to a favorite dog park on a balmy summer night or walking by the river when the leaves are changing colors are all is wonderful when the weather is favorable. But in much of the country, when winter comes, once hospitable conditions can quickly turn cold and dangerous for people and pups.Winter brings some unique challenges for dog owners, as dogs still need activity and socialization in the colder weather. Studies have shown that dog…