Ten Winter Weather Tips for Pets

Don’t put your dogs and cats at risk this winter!
Take a look at these tips to help them stay safe and warm:

1. How susceptible to the cold is your dog or cat? Short-coated, thin, elderly, or very young dogs get cold more quickly, so you might consider adjusting the amount of time they stay outside. If your dog likes the great outdoors, outfitting it with a sweater or coat will help to keep it warm. Hypothermia and frostbite pose major risks to dogs in winter, so remember, if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your dog!

2. Cats (as well as other critters) often sleep in the wheel wells of cars during the winter months to keep warm.They can be severely hurt or even killed by moving engine parts. Prevent injuries by banging loudly on your hood or honking the horn before starting your car. This will give the pet a chance to escape before starting your car.

3. During winter walks, your dog’s paws can pick up all kinds of toxic chemicals – salt, antifreeze, or de-icers. Be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws when you return from walks to prevent him from licking it off and becoming sick. Pet-safe de-icers are available for your home and provides an extra level of safety. And when wiping off your dog’s paws, remember to check for signs of injury, such as cracked or bleeding paws.

4. More pets become lost in the winter than any other season. Snowfall can disguise scents that would normally help them find their way home. Prevent your pets from becoming lost by keeping dogs leashed on walks and, just in case you are separated from your pets, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information and they are microchipped.

5. When walking your dog, be sure to avoid frozen lakes and ponds. Your dog could be seriously hurt or even killed if the ice breaks.

6. Like the heat in the summer, cold cars pose a threat as well. Only take your pets in the car if it is necessary, and never leave them unattended.

7. Wear reflective gear in the evening. Due to Daylight Savings, many of us walk our dogs in the dark. Stay safe and wear reflective gear (clothing, leash, collar, etc) and keep your dog close when walking on the street.

8. Ideally, all pets should live inside. If your pets live outdoors, bring them indoors during sub-zero temperatures. For the rest of the winter, provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to sit and lay down comfortably, but small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the shelter so it faces away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Also, pets who spend a lot of time outside need more food to replace energy lost from trying to stay warm. Use plastic food and water dishes instead of metal – when the temperature is low enough, your pets’ tongue can become stuck to metal.

9. Watch the chemicals you use to keep your car running properly. Antifreeze attracts cats and dogs because it is very sweet to taste. It is extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or death when ingested. Be sure to clean up any antifreeze that spills in your garage, and keep the bottle somewhere your pets cannot access.

10. Winter brings extreme weather that can cause power outages. Plan ahead for your pets. Have an emergency plan that includes enough food, water, and medication to last your pets at least five days. You will be thankful you planned ahead!