When it's a long, cold winter, sometimes our pets suffer as well. Arctic temperatures and snowy conditions can inevitably mean fewer walks and less exercises for dogs.

We're sure Fido is just as excited as you are that spring is here. The area's dog parks are a great way to let your pets burn a few calories while having fun outdoors.

Before you and your pups head to the park, however, check out these simple etiquette tips:

• Make sure to bring something (like a pooper scooper or bags) to pick up the mess your dog makes. Always clean up after your dog.
• Bring some water for your dog and a leash (just in case.)
• Don't bring your dog if it is aggressive.
• Don't let your pets wander too far. Always keep an eye on them.
• If the park is near a residential area, minimize the barking.

Here are a few parks your pet might enjoy in the greater Milwaukee area.

Cedar Lake Wayside Off leash Dog Area
Hwy NN and County Hwy Z, West Bend
Size: 3 acres
Type: Not fenced
Hours: Open April 1 - Nov. 15
Fees: None

Dog Exercise Area at Currie Park
3535 N. Mayfair Rd.
Size: 1.5 acres
Type: Fenced
Fees: None

Estabrook Dog Park
Wilson Drive & Estabrook Parkway
Size: 3 acres
Type: Fenced
Hours: Open dusk until dawn
Fee: $20 annual fee for first dog, $10 fee for each additional dog

Granville Dog Park
West Good Hope Road & the Menomonee River
Type: Fenced off-leash dog park
Hours: Open 7 a.m. until dusk
Fees: None

Katherine K. Carpenter Dog Park
801 W. Zedler Ln., Mequon
Size: 35 acres
Type: Not fenced
Fees: None

Minooka Dog Park
1927 E. Sunset Dr., Waukesha
Size: 3.8 acres (small dogs) and 11.9 acres (big dogs)
Type: Fenced
Hours: Open sunrise until 10 p.m.
Fees: Parking fee -- $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends or $25 annually (residents) or $36 (non-residents)

Mitchell Park Off Leash Dog Area
Mitchell Park Drive off River Road, Brookfield
Size: 14 acres
Type: Not fenced
Fees: None

Muttland Meadows Dog Park (at Lime Kiln Park)
2020 S. Green Bay Rd., Grafton
Size: 6 acres
Type: Fenced off-leash park
Fees: None

Nashotah Dog Park
W330 N5113 County Trunk Highway C, Nashotah
Size: 14.5 acres
Type: Fenced
Hours: Open sunrise until 10 p.m.
Fees: $3 parking fee on weekdays and $5 parking fee on weekends and holidays

Runway Dog Park
1214 E. Rawson Ave., Oak Creek
Type: Fenced
Hours: Open dawn until dusk
Fees: $20 annually or $5 day use pass (dogs must also be licensed)

Waukesha Dog Run (at Roosevelt Park)
Comanche and MacArthur Rd., Waukesha
Type: Not fenced
Fees: Owners of dogs are required to purchase a permit prior to use of the dog exercise area. Permit may be purchased at the Parks and Recreation Office.