As temperatures continue to drop and cold air comes in, taking care of our furry friends in the winter is essential. Experts from the ASPCA have have some advice to help your animals through frigid weather. Here is a list of helpful tips to help your pets during the winter

• Drastic temperature changes can be bad for pets’ skin and may cause dry and itchy conditions. It helps to keep your home humidified or towel dry your animal when they come inside.
• Do not shave your pet down to the skin in the winter. A longer coat of fur will provide warmth in the winter months. If you have a long-haired animal, trim them to keep snowballs and salt particles from sticking to them.
• Take a towel with you on long walks. You can use the towel to clean your pet’s feet and stomach to remove any harmful chemicals.
• Keep pets away from car chemicals such as coolant and antifreeze. These are poisonous if consumed.
• Animals burn extra energy trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding animals a little bit more during the cold months provides them much-needed calories. In addition, make sure they have plenty of water to drink. This will keep them well-hydrated and their skin less dry.
• if it’s too cold outside for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Unless your pet is a breed built for winter weather, (like my sweet Letty pictured above) keep your animals inside at night with you and the heat. Left outdoors pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, injured or killed. Don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, cars can act as ice boxes holding in the cold.
• Make sure your animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.