When it’s cold outside, we know what to do. We bundle up when go outside, or we stay inside in the warmth as much as possible. While our pets might seem to have built-in, warm winter coats, they too are sensitive to the elements.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has provided a list of 10 Tips for Winter Pet Care. Read on to find out how to keep your pet safe, warm, and happy during the winter months.
1. Keep Your Pets Inside. During any time of the year, pets who are allowed to stray can become lost or stolen, injured or killed. They can also be exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife. During the winter, an outdoor pet might not want to come inside but can freeze if the temperature drops too low.
2. Check Around the Car for Outdoor Cats. You know how warm your car is after you turn it off? During the winter, outdoor cats will sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth. Once the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
3. Keep Your Dog on a Leash. Did you know that more dogs are lost during the winter than any other season? Dogs can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost. You should never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. It is also a good idea to make sure your pet is wearing ID tags in case you do become separated.
4. Wipe Away the Cold. After you dog comes in from the snow, sleet, or ice, be sure to thoroughly wipe off his legs, paws, stomach, and anywhere else the came in contact with the cold stuff. Paw pads are particularly sensitive to the elements and can become dry, cracked, and bleed from exposure to the snow and ice. Dogs can also pick up salt, antifreeze, or other potentially dangerous chemicals while outside–wiping him down can help prevent accidental ingestion.
5. Bundle Them Up. You probably wouldn’t go outside in the cold without a coat, so why would you let your dog? If normally shave your dog’s coat down to the skin, avoid doing this during the winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. Short-haired breeds will greatly benefit from a coat or sweater; it is best for them to be covered with a high collar or turtleneck and all the way to the base of the tail and the belly. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.
6. Don’t Leave Them in the Car. Most people know not to leave their dog or cat alone in the car during the summer, but did you know that it is just as dangerous for them during the winter? A hot car is to an oven as a cold car is to a refrigerator, and you wouldn’t put your cat in the refrigerator! Cars hold in the cold during the winter and can cause an animal to freeze to death.
7. Keep Puppies Inside. Housebreaking is puppy is a difficult feat made even more stressful in the winter. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and it may be difficult to housebreak them during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may choose to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
8. Increase Their Food Supply. If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, you will need to increase his supply of food, particularly protein. This will keep him, and his fur, in top shape.
9. Check for Dangerous Materials Around the Car. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats and any spills should be cleaned up thoroughly. You should also consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. For more information, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
10. Give Them a Cozy Bed. Before you settle in for a warm winter’s nap, make sure your pet also has a warm place to sleep, preferably off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect. A cuddle toy is optional.
For more tips on how to care for your pet, please visit the ASPCA Website.