Petfinder.com, the largest online database of adoptable animals, has released its 2007 cold weather tips for puppies and dogs. During times of extreme weather, Petfinder.com encourages the public to take some simple measures to protect their pets.

According to Betsy Saul, Petfinder.com co-founder, “It’s so important to remember that your pet is susceptible to sickness and disease just as you are during times of extremely cold weather.” She recently went on to say that “Petfinder.com has come up with some proven, easy and effective ways for our four-legged family members to stay safe and warm during the cold months.”

Important cold weather tips to keep pets safe include:

* After a walk, remove any ice or snow from your pet’s paws and towel him/her off to avoid a chill

* Make sure your pet has plenty of hi-quality protein if he/she is outside — staying warm burns more calories.

* Always give the hood of your car a sharp knock before starting the engine. Cats, and other small animals, sometimes climb up under the hood of a car to get warm. The noise will wake them up and give them time to escape.

* Never leave your pet in a car in cold weather, your car is like a refrigerator and may cause hypothermia.

* Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep. Some helpful hints include:
- Place pet bed away from drafts.
- Line the floor with an old rug, blanket or dry straw.
- Face the opening of a dog house away from the wind and add a door flap to keep the warmth in.

* Never use metal water bowls outside. When it’s cold, your pet’s tongue may stick to the metal. Check water frequently to ensure it has not frozen.

* Save that shaved look for warm weather. A dog can use a bit of a fur coat when temperatures dip.

What are you doing to make sure that your puppy or adult dog is being taken care of during the cold weather months?