With the weather cooling down and winter fast approaching, we must take certain precautions to keep our pets warm, healthy and happy. Of course, keeping your pet inside is the safest option, but aside from this, there are other steps we can take to help our furry friends. Always make sure your pets have warm bedding that is away from any drafts and off  the floor. Cozy bedding with blankets works perfectly. If you need to run an errand, leave your pet at home. In the cold, cars trap air, making your pet susceptible to freezing. Lastly, if you do need anti-freeze, buy pet-friendly antifreeze that is less harmful. There are many precautions you can take as well to keep cats safe during the cold weather. Be sure to provide warm bedding for your cat. If you keep your thermostat low, it will need the warmth. You can buy heated pads or beds from your local pet store. And, if you live in a neighborhood with many outdoor cats, bang loudly on your car hood or honk your horn before starting your engine in the cold. Many cats take refuge in these areas and you risk seriously harming the animal if you do not follow these steps before turning on your engine. For dogs, there are many other choices to keep your pet safe and warm. Only let your dog out to relieve itself, and do not leave it outside unless absolutely necessary. Under no circumstances should tiny, short-haired, young or old dogs be left outside. If they do need to stay outdoors, it is imperative that their doghouse be dry and draft-free. It is ideal if they are a few inches of the ground, insulated and big enough to move around in but small enough to stay warm. Keep a full water bowl in the house, too. The water bowl should be ceramic and tip resistant. If the water bowl is metal, the dog's tongue may get stuck to the edges. Without water, dogs are unable to burn calories and stay warm. Last, keep your dog's coat well-groomed. If he has any mats, he will not stay warm. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your pet in good condition now that the weather is changing. Valley Humane Society Valley Humane Society is a no-kill nonprofit animal shelter in Pleasanton. We have more than 200 volunteers and six staff members. We pride ourselves on being a resource center for the community, providing knowledge of responsible pet ownership and humane education. Adopting and owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. Here at Valley Humane Society, we assure that before we adopt out any animal, it is vaccinated, micro chipped, spayed or neutered, and tested for a feline AIDS, feline leukemia and heartworm. All of our adoptable animals can be found on the Valley Humane Society website at www.valleyhumane.org, or you can come meet them at 3670 Nevada St., Pleasanton.  Our phone number is 925-426-8656.