The Arctic blast that has hit so many parts of the country this month hasn't been fun for humans or pets. It's important to always consider your pet's comfort during the long winter.

Here are some good tips for caring for dogs and cats in the extreme cold weather from Petfinder.com, an online database of adoptable pets and pet care information:

Feed your pet plenty of high-quality protein foods, since walking outdoors in this weather burns extra calories.
Never leave your pet in the car in cold weather (or any other weather, for that matter). A car in this kind of cold can turn into a refrigerator, and your pet could suffer from hypothermia.
After a walk, check your dog's paws for any chunks of ice or snow and remove them; it's nice to towel their whole body off when you get inside.
Never use metal water bowls outdoors - your pet's tongue may stick to them in very cold temperatures.
Don't clip your pet's hair too short - extra fur is great this time of year.


--Jura Koncius, Local Living section (Petfinder.com)