With the huge winter storm that hit the East Coast this past weekend, it’s good to remember how hard the cold weather can be on our pets. Sometimes we forget that just because they have fur that they can still suffer from freezing temperatures and cold sidewalks. Animals may be able to withstand the cold better than us but they do get cold, can get frostbite, and can be in serious danger if left outside too long.
Here’s a few tips to make sure pet is warm and dry:
1: Take your pet to the vet for a winter checkup. Just as you take your car in for “winterizing,” your furry friend needs a good checkup to make sure they don’t have any medical problems that will make them more vulnerable to the cold.
2: When the temperature drops, keep your pet inside. If they do have to go out or insist on going outside, limit the time and monitor them. When you’re cold enough to go inside, they are too. If you must leave them out for a little longer, give them a warm place to go in case you’re not able to let them back in when they are ready. The shelter should be wind resistant, have dry bedding, and a doorway that has a flap or something over it to keep rain, snow, or wind out. No pet wants to be cold and have their fur freeze to their skin.
3: Some dogs fair better in cold weather than others. If your dog is a short-haired dog or does not have an undercoat like a daschund or rhodesian ridgeback, make sure they aren’t out for too long and invest in a doggie coat. If your dog is a winter dog like a husky, chance are they’ll be ok but check for ice stuck to the fur and make sure they aren’t out for too long.
4: If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, be aware they may look for somewhere warm to snuggle if it’s cold. Check your car engine or bang on your roof before starting your car. Cats can get caught in the engine and become seriously injured or worse. If you can, refrain from giving in and keep your cat inside during the winter.
5: Do not let your dog off around frozen ponds or lakes. Animals can fall into the freezing water and have an extremely difficult getting out. Keep your pet safe and avoid panic situations if you can.
6: If you have a fireplace or use a space heater, remember that your pet may try to snuggle up to the heat and accidentally singe their fur. Keep an eye out to make sure their tails, whiskers, or fur do not come into contact with the flames, coils, or other hot surfaces.
7: Pets that go outside can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melts in their foot pads. Wipe their feet and check their legs and belly to make sure nothing is stuck there. Dry them off when they come inside. They will get used to this. It also keeps your house cleaner.
8: Senior pets need some extra TLC during the cold weather days. Their joints may become super sensitive and tender. Walk behind them when they climb stairs or hills in case they slip. Keep their bedding in a place where there are no drafts and keep them warm.
Winter can be a beautiful time of year. It can be a dangerous time as well, but if you take a few precautions you and your pet will be fine.
