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    Jack Frost is stirring and thermometers are plummeting. It’s time for pet parents to put on their layers to prepare for the winter chill, but don’t forget about your fidos and felines. Protect your four-legged loved ones from extreme weather conditions with these fur-tastic tips.

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    SHOULD PETS STAY INDOORS DURING WINTER?

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    SHOULD PETS STAY INDOORS DURING WINTER?

    ANSWER: Not all dogs are Huskies, so do everything you can to help your pet stay warm. Bring your pets indoors from the cold or keep them inside as much as possible. If your pooch is just a pup, you may want to paper-train him inside. And to prevent them from being lost or injured, don’t let your cats outside when the temperature drops. Cats that stray can be exposed to infectious diseases from other cats, dogs or wildlife in the area.

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    DO DOGS NEED A COAT IN THE WINTER?

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    DO DOGS NEED A COAT IN THE WINTER?

    ANSWER: If your dog wasn’t born with a furry coat of his own, get him one that’s the cat’s meow. There are many coats and sweaters that will keep short-haired breeds warm while strolling around town in winter. Pet parents looking for a blend of warmth and style can sniff out the Land’s End Fleece Dog Jacket, which comes in four colors, ranging in size from XS to XL.

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    HOW CAN I BEST KEEP PETS SAFE FROM HEATERS?

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    HOW CAN I BEST KEEP PETS SAFE FROM HEATERS?

    ANSWER: During extreme weather conditions, our furry friends love curling up next to anything warm (especially you), but heaters and furnaces can become scorching winter hazards. Keep an eye on paws or tails near coils, flames or hot areas. Cats might even curl up by your car engine, so make sure to check beneath your car or make lots of noise before turning it on. The Dyson Hot Air Heater is the first pet-friendly heater on the furry market that protects your pets (or children) from getting burned. This bladeless heater is purr-fectly safe to leave within paw's reach, and it immediately shuts off if your pooch decides to paw at it.

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    IS IT SAFE FOR DOGS TO PLAY IN SNOW?

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    IS IT SAFE FOR DOGS TO PLAY IN SNOW?

    ANSWER: Even in the wintertime, your doggy will beg to go outside. Don’t let your pup off its leash in snow or ice, since Fido can easily become lost in storm conditions. And make sure he always wears his ID tag. Pets can get ice, salt and chemicals melted onto their paws. Always wipe your pet’s stomach, legs and paws when they come in to avoid chaffing or getting raw, and to prevent your pup from licking chemicals or salt off their paws.

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    DO DOGS NEED BOOTS FOR THE SNOW?

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    DO DOGS NEED BOOTS FOR THE SNOW?

    ANSWER: You can also buy a pair of pup booties! But if the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t force it — not all dogs like booties. And for your pet's sake (and your own driveway), consider Morton® Safe-T-Pet™, specially developed with veterinarians for happy paws. It is a salt-free and chloride-free ice melter, which melts below –15 degrees Fahrenheit. The urea-based, organic formula is non-toxic and non-irritating to pets' paws and stomachs, so you and Fido can rest easily on your trips outside.

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    CAN PETS BE LEFT INSIDE COLD CARS?

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    CAN PETS BE LEFT INSIDE COLD CARS?

    ANSWER: Always check the car for four-legged passengers! Never leave your pets in the car alone when there’s a chill in the air. The car will keep the cold air trapped inside and may cause your loved one to suffer from furry frostbite. Also check your vehicles for antifreeze leaks — it's lethal for cats and dogs. Clean up spills and keep all containers out of paws reach.

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    DOES COLD WEATHER AFFECT SENIOR PETS?

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    DOES COLD WEATHER AFFECT SENIOR PETS?

    ANSWER: Older pets and pets with health conditions need extra love and attention this time of year! The cold can leave their joints stiff or tender, and they might move slower or more awkwardly. Keep a closer eye on them when they’re outside or playing. When they come in to rest, have a nice, soft bed ready and waiting! Petco’s Orthopedic Memory Foam Bed conforms to your pet and responds to heat and pressure. It’s the purr-fect cozy retreat for your dog to chill out with when it’s cold outside!

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    HOW CAN I STOP THE WATER BOWL FROM FREEZING?

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    HOW CAN I STOP THE WATER BOWL FROM FREEZING?

    ANSWER: Refill your pet’s water bowl often and check outdoor bowls often, since they can freeze. Break the ice so your puppy or kitty’s tongue won’t stick to it. Or invest in a heated bowl for outside dogs to always keep their drinks topped off!

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    DO DOGS NEED TO BE GROOMED IN WINTER?

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    DO DOGS NEED TO BE GROOMED IN WINTER?

    ANSWER: If your dog’s hair is usually groomed short, then let it grow longer. They were lucky enough to be born with their own fur coat, so let them use it! And when you give Fido a bath, make sure to dry him off before taking a stroll outside.

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    DO I NEED TO FEED MY DOG DIFFERENTLY IN WINTER?

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    Next: Tips For Flying With Pets During Winter

    DO I NEED TO FEED MY DOG DIFFERENTLY IN WINTER?

    ANSWER: If your pooch still keeps his playtime session outside, give him an extra serving of food, especially protein, to boost his energy and keep him and his fur in perfect shape. Pets who would rather curl up inside can be fed normally to prevent gaining a holiday bulge.

    Please remember your local animal shelter is always interested in old blankets or anything to help the many animals in need of adoption to keep warm — please consider donating.