If you are cold in winter, your pets are too! Check out the post below to learn how to keep your furry friends warm and safe from the elements during the cold months.
How to Protect Your Pets This Winter
Some believe that dogs and cats are resistant to cold weather because of their fur, but that’s not true. Like humans, dogs and cats can get frostbite and hypothermia, which can be fatal. Here are some winter weather tips for your furry friends.
Please keep them inside
Some longer haired dog and cat breeds are bred for colder climates BUT no pet should be left outside in below freezing temperatures.
Protect their paws
Daily walks in the cold can harm your pet’s paws. Keep them moisturized to protect against salt and chemical agents. Here are some things you can do to protect their paws. Use pet booties to minimize contact with painful salt crystals, poisonous anti-freeze, and chemical ice melting agents. Also, you can apply petroleum jelly to their paw pads before going outside.
Keep your pup covered
When you take your dog out, consider a coat or sweater for short haired breeds. Coverage from the base of the tail to the belly provides extra warmth. Don't forget – you're not the only one who needs to be prepared!
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Reduce bathing frequency during cold spells
Drying can take too long, and washing too often can deplete essential oils and increase dry, flaky skin.
Look out for stray cats
Outdoor stray cats sometimes sleep under car hoods to stay warm. Before you get into your car bang on the car hood to give the cat a chance to escape.
Provide a safe shelter
If you are able to, provide a warm and safe shelter for the stray cats in the neighborhood. We can’t save them all but if you know of a couple of stray cats in the neighborhood then I know they would be warmer, protected, and have a better chance of surviving. Here is an example:
Always be prepared
Cold weather also brings risks of severe weather, blizzards, and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water, and necessary pet medications for your furry friend.
Pets are family in my household and if I’m cold they are too! Take care of your pets this winter and bring them in, folks! And be sure to check out my previous article on building bug out bags for your pets here!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on 11 April, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
