By Bryn Dunn

1. Provide sweaters and coats. You may have seen stores display cute sweaters and coats for pets, but they’re not just for novelty anymore. There are many new brands of petwear that are made specifically for harsh environments. When it’s wet or snowy outside, put your pet in a coat before you go out to make sure they stay warm and dry.

2. Take a walk. Instead of letting pets in and out of the house, take them on walks. This prevents your pet from being outside in the cold too long if you’ve accidentally gotten distracted. If you’re out walking with them, you’ll know if it’s starting to get too chilly and time to head back inside.

Tip: Get kids involved in family chore time. Let them take turns walking the dog, tidying kitty bathroom spots and feeding the family pets.

3. Line bedding. When the weather drops, look for small sheepskin rugs to lay on top of your pet’s bedding. It can be a real or faux sheepskin—either way, it’s very cozy and your pet will love it!

4. Dry after bathtime. For some pets, especially those with long hair, it takes hours for fur to fully dry. During the cold months, use a hairdryer (on low) after bathtime to speed up the drying process. Be sure to alternate between the warm and cool airflow to avoid discomfort.

5. Leave the heat on. Although it saves money to decrease the temperature or turn the heat off during the day while you're at work, be mindful that your pet is still home. Use this rule of thumb—if you would be uncomfortably cold, most likely your pet will be, too!

6. Trim paw fur. If it’s often snowy where you live, it’s helpful to keep the fur on your pet’s paws trimmed. This will help prevent snowballs on their paws and will allow them to dry more quickly once inside.

7. Leave fur long. When you take your pet for grooming, ask them to leave their hair long. Pet coats naturally fill out more during the winter months to keep them warm, so keep the short haircuts at bay until the warmer months are back (and an added bonus—you’ll save on your grooming bill, too!)

8. Keep beds on carpeted areas. Solid floors like hardwood and tile are much cooler, so during the colder months, place your pet’s bed on carpet or a rug. If this isn’t possible, place a blanket underneath their bed.

9. Increase calories. Be sure to ask your vet first, but another option to help keep pets warm is to increase their calorie intake. Animals tend to use more calories in the winter, so increasing the amount of food you give them will help compensate.

Tip: Get crafty in the kitchen and make your own pet treats! Or create a one-of-a-kind food bowl for your furry friends.

10. Cuddle. Snuggling with your pet will not only warm their body temperature (and yours), but it will be sure to warm their heart, too!