PetSmart® Shares Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

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Dec 09, 2019, 08:00 ET

PHOENIX, Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter weather is here, and the colder temperatures mean hazardous conditions that can be dangerous for your pet. Dr. Jennifer Freeman, PetSmart's resident veterinarian and pet care expert, is sharing her top winter safety tips to keep your pets happy and healthy this season.

Bundle Up
Cold weather means it's time to break out the sweaters – and not just for humans! Shorthaired, elderly and ill dogs are especially susceptible to colder temperatures, so it is important they are dressed in proper winter attire. "Despite pets' natural fur coats, it doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in and cause serious problems," said Dr. Freeman. "It's important to dress them in pet-friendly coats and sweaters to keep their body temperatures regulated."

Try dressing your pet in a cozy layer, such as the Top Paw® 2-Layer Fleece Turtleneck Pet Coat. Its fleece interior provides extra warmth, while its reflective trim increases visibility at night.

Limit Time Outdoors
Walking outside in cold temperatures can cause stress and discomfort for your dog. Instead, seek indoor activities that exercise your dog without the chill. Doggie Day Camp, The Ultimate Experience at PetSmart offers stimulating games and socialization activities to keep your dog active and engaged during the long winter months. It helps pet parents stay warm, too! Doggie Valet curbside drop-off means you don't have to leave your car and bear the cold.

Beware of Chemical Hazards
Antifreeze, salt and other snow-melting products can be harmful, and sometimes fatal, to your pet. "The chemicals used to de-ice roads are especially harmful to pets' skin," said Freeman. "Protect your dog by putting booties on their paws and rinsing their chest and abdomen after a trip outside."

Top Paw® Outdoor Dog Booties easily slip on and off your pet and are adjustable for a perfect fit. The non-skid rubber bottoms help prevent your dog from slipping on ice and provide a protective layer from snow and rough terrain.

Tend to Dry Skin
Cold winter air can dry out your pet's coat, making it look dull and unhealthy. Try refreshing your pet's fur with the HEMPZ seasonal package at the PetSmart Grooming Salon. The 100% pure natural hemp seed oil and shea butter mixed with a miracle oil blend will leave your dog looking shiny and soft. To book a grooming service, visit services.petsmart.com, download the PetSmart Mobile App or call your local store.

For more pet-friendly tips for the winter season, visit petsmart.com.

About PetSmart®
PetSmart, Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart's passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they, together, can live more fulfilled lives. This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates and how we give back to our communities. PetSmart employs approximately 56,000 associates and operates more than 1,650 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities. The retailer provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and products, as well as services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp™ and pet adoption. PetSmart, PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart Charities® of Canada work with more than 3,500 animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into stores so they have the best chance possible of finding a forever home. Through this in-store adoption program and other signature events, PetSmart has facilitated more than 9 million adoptions, more than any other brick-and-mortar organization. In May 2017, PetSmart acquired Chewy.com, a leading online retailer of pet food and products in the U.S., which operates as an independent subsidiary.

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SOURCE PetSmart