After a few months of oscillating between indoor and outdoor living, it's time to prepare pets for cold weather and residing in closed quarters. To make sure your home is fresh and clean through the seasonal transition and that pets stay healthy and odor-free, consider these tips. 

* Prevent unpleasant odors. Pet odors are a downside to sharing your home with a furry friend. These smells can become even more prominent during the cooler months when you cannot open the windows to let in fresh air. When guests are coming over it's not uncommon for homeowners to worry about pet odors in the house. In fact, according to AcuPOLL research in Jan. 2010, 86 percent of cat owners believe that sometimes they cannot smell cat odors in their own home but others can. To combat this, use an advanced odor eliminating product like new Arm & Hammer Double Duty Clumping Cat Litter to destroy both urine and feces odors on contact. 

* Stay healthy, remain healthy. Healthy pets' owners keep their areas clean and odor free. Just as we would not use a filthy bathroom, cats' natural desire for cleanliness extends to their litter box. Keep the litter box clean by removing waste daily and changing the litter frequently. Be sure to keep regular vet appointments and monitor your pet's behavior. Changes to litter box use habits may be a sign of a potential health problem. 

* Wash, tag, repeat. Though flea and tick season is over, it is essential to keep pets clean. Put an appointment on the calendar for regular bathing which helps minimize shedding and odors. If the air is dry, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to discourage excess dander. Also, make sure that you or the groomer puts your pet's collar and ID tags back on afterwards. Even indoor cats may slip through an open door or window, so it's important to tag as well. Visit www.pettagoffer.com for more information on how to receive customized identification tags. 

* Keep furniture fur free. Since pets may not have the option of lying in a sunny spot in the yard, they will need a cozy place to curl up in the house. To discourage pets from sitting on the furniture and getting pet hair all over you and your guests it is best to make sure they have their own beds. Just be sure to wash pet beds regularly to keep them clean and smelling fresh. 

* Maintain a scratch-free home. Whether you have cats or dogs, you know what a toll their nails can take on furniture and floors. To keep damage at a minimum, it's important to trim pets nails regularly. If you're wary of using traditional guillotine-type clippers, you have a few new options to consider, like nail grinders or nail covers.

By taking these paw friendly indoor tips, you will have a happy, safe and odor-free winter season with your pets. For more ideas on how to prepare your pets for indoor life, go to www.armandhammer.com.