This post is sponsored by Vectra® 3D For Dogs, but all thoughts, opinions, and cute dog photos are 100% my own.

Even though we live in New England with long and cold winters, we still protect Athena from fleas and ticks year-round.

She’s an outdoors girl! She came to us from Alabama and I’ll never forget the first time it snowed. She put one dainty paw in the cold white snow and gave us a look that said, “No WAY I’m going out there!” Although it was humorous, we were happy she found her “snow legs.” Even though the weather can change and be unseasonably warm or unseasonably cold at any given time, New England has long winters. We have cold Autumns too. And just like with the warmer seasons, we follow tips to protect Athena all winter long. Here are 7 ways you can protect your dog this winter to make the best of the cold!

1 – We use Vectra® 3D For Dogs year round. The thing is, it’s ALWAYS possible for fleas, ticks and other dangerous parasites – like mosquitoes – to infect your dog anywhere in the country. And it only takes one bite to potentially spread disease. That’s why we love how Vectra® 3D For Dogs is a fast and effective monthly topical that kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, biting flies and mites* before they bite your dog. Why will you love it? It kills through contact, which means parasites don’t have to bite your dog to die. AND, it begins reducing flea feeding in 5 minutes, and kills fleas in 6 hours.

Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease to dogs and Vectra® 3D For Dogs prevents mosquitoes from feeding, and in turn, helps stop the spread of heartworm disease. It remains effective after bathing or swimming and protects for one month. Vectra® 3D also has a patented application that makes it super easy to use. The applicator is easy to use with no drips, no mess, and no need for scissors. And the long, rounded tip helps you easily and comfortably apply product directly to your dog’s skin under the fur. For detailed application instructions, you can visit vectrapet.com/us/Home/How-To-Apply.

Do not use Vectra® 3D on cats!

We use Vectra® 3D and a monthly heartworm preventative to give Athena a Double Defense against heartworm disease. Our protocol is using Vectra® 3D to kill and repel mosquitoes on the outside of Athena and a heartworm preventative to kill heartworm larvae on the inside of her. We use Heartgard®. I feel doubly protected because Vectra® is a fast-acting, long-lasting, broad-spectrum parasite control, as well as a topical mosquito, flea and tick protection for dogs. Its patented applicator makes it easy to apply to Athena. It’s Double-Defense – killing and repelling mosquitoes outside with Vectra® 3D and killing larvae inside with a heartworm preventive. Double Defense is a one-two punch against heartworm disease.

Vectra® 3D is available through your local veterinarian. To find it near you, visit VectraPet.com/us/Home/Tools/Find-a-Vectra-vet.

For more information on Double Defense, visit fightheartwormnow.com/double-defense-heartworm-protection.

Find Vectra® 3D on Facebook here.

Here are six other ways to protect your dog in the winter:

2 – If you give your pet water outside, swap the metal bowls with ceramic or plastic ones. And make sure you monitor their water freezing. You can also buy heated water bowls for many pets if this is a concern where you live.

3 – Just like you don’t leave your dog in a hot car in the summer, don’t leave your dog alone in a freezing car in winter.

4 – Watch our for antifreeze – which is fatal for dogs.

5 – Make sure you keep your dog on a leash around frozen ponds, lakes, or rivers. They can fall through ice!

6 – Many dogs, especially active ones, need extra food in the winter. Make sure they’re getting enough food, but not too much!

7 – Groom your dog to keep him or her properly insulated.

Do you have any winter safety tips for dogs?

• *Excluding mange mites
• DO NOT USE VECTRA® 3D ON CATS.