With winter weather knocking on our door, it's important not to forget our furry little friends. So, check out these winter tips to help keep your pets warm.

  • 1

    Understand Your Breed

    It's always important to know what are the ideal conditions for your breed. Short haired breeds might do bad in cold weather, while other breeds actually adapt to the cold air. For instance, a Siberian Husky might be good in the cold, while a little poodle would freeze it's little paws off. Also, consider your pets age as well. Older dogs get colder easier.

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    Bethany Clarke, Getty Images
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  • 2

    Provide A Good Shelter

    If you keep your pets outdoors, make sure they have some sort of shelter to help keep them warm. Of course, If you don't have a shelter for your pet during extreme weather where temperatures are extremely low, it is best to keep them inside. And, you can always use a kennel if you are worried about them trashing the house.

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    Ian Forsyth, Getty Images
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  • 3

    Provide Extra Bedding

    Once again, if you just absolutely have to have your pet outside, you'll not only want to provide them with a good shelter, but also lots of bedding. Old blankets, straw, even old clothes can go a long way to help your pet stay warm. Remember, dogs and cats can get frostbite just like humans can.

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    Christopher Furlong, Getty Images
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  • 4

    Don't Overfeed

    Pets obviously need food for energy and warmth, but, if you have an indoor pet, there is no need to feed them extra food or you'll just make your pet overweight. Now, if they are outside, you might want to give them a little extra, but not too much. Talk to your vet to find out what your pet's energy needs are. Also, make sure they have plenty of clean, and unfrozen, water. You can buy heated water dishes for your pet.

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    Jordan Silverman, Getty Images
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  • 5

    Groom Your Pet

    Your pet's full coat is the source for being able to stay warm. So, it's important that you keep your pet groomed. A matted coat is not a good way of keeping out the cold rain or snow. And, you definitely don't want to shave your pet's coat. Just simply make sure they are brushed out and groomed. Also, make sure that you trim the hair around their paws. This will prevent ice or snow from balling up between their paws, which could cause cracking or cuts.

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    Carma Casula, Getty Images
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  • 6

    Canine Clothing

    You can get canine clothing for any size dog, not just the little toy dogs. Whether they are store brought or even made, canine clothing will help keep your pet warm. You can even buy special booties for your pet to cover their paws. Also, if you put salt around your house to help with slick spots, remember that your pet's paws can get irritated. So, it's important to make sure that you wipe off their paws to avoid that.

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    Andreas Rentz, Getty Images
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  • 7

    Take Shorter Walks

    Even when it's cold outside, your pet still needs plenty of exercise. However, if you are going to walk them outside while it's cold, make it a shorter walk. If it's just simply too cold outside, you  can play indoor games like tug-of-war, fetch, or anything that will keep them moving. Also, make sure to keep your dog on a leash if you are walking them outside. Dogs can become disoriented, and if they get away from you, it may be hard to track them down. Plus, in some places, it's a law.

    Spencer Platt, Getty Images
    Spencer Platt, Getty Images
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  • 8

    Never Leave Your Pet in a Vehicle

    As always, you never want to leave your pet unattended in a vehicle no matter what the weather is like. When it is cold, your vehicle will pretty much act like a rolling freezer with temperatures becoming dangerously cold.

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    Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images
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  • 9

    Keep An Eye Out for Any Illness

    Just like humans, dogs and cats can catch a cold or other sort of illness from the frigid weather - especially if they are very young or very old. If you think your pet has caught some sort of illness, see your vet immediately.

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    Getty Images
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  • 10

    Less or No Baths

    If you routinely give your pet a bath each week, you might think about cutting back just a tad. This will help keep away severe cold problems. If you can't avoid giving them a bath, just make sure that you use warm water, and you dry them off completely.

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    Chris McGrath, Getty Images
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