Winter has certainly arrived in full force in many parts of the country. With the thermometer dipping lower and lower, the ASPCA wants to remind you that your four-legged companions may also be feeling the chill. Here are some tips to keep them safe and sound until springtime:

- Be on the lookout for any antifreeze or engine coolant spills that might have occured when preparing your car for winter. “These products contain chemicals that are harmful to animals,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, a veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “It’s important that you remember to store any potentially harmful chemicals in clearly marked, sealed containers in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.”

- Even if your pets are indoor/outdoor critters, make sure their outdoor areas are well-sheltered from the cold and wind. If possible, keep animals inside, especially during cold spells and inclement weather.

- Take care that your pet has plenty of water. “Winter air can be very drying, leaving pets dehydrated, just as they are during the hot summer months,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

- During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes crawl under the hoods of cars for warmth—but a car’s fan belt can kill or injure an animal when the motor starts. If there are outdoor or feral cats in your neighborhood, please bang on the hood of the car and wait a few seconds before turning on the engine.

For a complete list of cold weather tips, visit ASPCA online. And for more on winter safety, don’t miss today’s live chat with the ASPCA’s Dr. Jennifer Lander—she’ll be standing by to answer your questions in the ASPCA Online Community from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST.