The cold weather is not something that our pets enjoy a lot. Some of them may be fond of playing in the snow, but a lot of them want to stay inside and be cozy and warm. During the cold weather season, pet owners must be mindful of what their pets need other than food and warmth.
Here are some easy cold weather safety tips for your pets.
- Give them warmth.
When humans are cold, our instinct would tell us to bundle up with sweaters and jackets. The same thing goes to our pets, too. They may not be able to tell us about it, but they need to be warmed up during the cold months. There are coats and sweaters designed for pets, especially the short-haired breeds to keep them warm in the winter.
- Protect their paws.
For humans, we wear boots to project our feet from the cold. The cold is also uncomfortable for pets and their paws. Make sure that you wash their paws completely and dry them up after you have been outside. Be aware of any cracked or bleeding paws that encrusted ice could have caused your pets. You can use dog boots to protect their paws from harm.
- Keep them properly fed.
During the winter months, our pets need more food as they are burning more calories to keep them warm. Pets need to have more food during the cold months especially if they are also exercising a lot. If you keep your dogs outside in a kennel or do a lot of exercise, they require more food intake. If they stay inside most of the time, they may require less or the normal amount of food.
- Keep them aways from toxins.
When you use chemical de-icers or salt to clear your driveway, make sure that you clean up after or avoid your pets to pass that area, especially dogs. Pets are curious creatures and they would want to lick anything that are new to them without knowing that it can be harmful for them. As a responsible pet owner, you must guide them on what and what not to lick to cure their curiosity.
- Keep them warm inside.
Cats are likely to stay inside most of the time while dogs love to roam around outside to play and exercise. It is good to bring them outside for walks and exercise, but as much as possible, keep them inside your home to keep them warm. Winter is also the best time to train them in their obedience or conduct indoor training for their physical health.
- Look for cats under the hood of your car.
It may not be your pet, but cats love to snooze under your car hoods to keep them warm. Before you start your car, check for any animals that may be hiding in tight spots and sleeping. They may be startled when you start the engine and this can cause more harm to them and your car.
- Car safety.
When we go out and drive, we would often bring our pets along. Although it is sweet and fun to have them, it is not ideal to leave them inside your car whether it is a hot or cold situation. It is more ideal to leave them at home if you cannot bring them inside where you are going.
- Keep them fit and exercised.
Keeping your pets healthy and exercised is still a priority, whether it’s the summer months or winter cold months. If you cannot bring your pets outside to exercise, you can have them exercise inside your home.
- Keep their skin healthy.
Your pets can get dry and flaky skin in the winter like humans do. For your skin health and pets too, use a humidifier and keep everyone hydrated with water. Bathe them less frequently and make sure to dry them after baths. Brushing their coats can also help stimulate blood circulation and improve their overall skin condition.
Pets are vulnerable during the winter months. They need to be protected by their owners and kept warm. As a responsible owner, you must do everything for your pets to keep them healthy and happy even if the weather is cold and icy.