Tips offered for keeping pets safe during the winter

While you are preparing yourself and your family for the winter, make sure you plan how to keep your pets safe in the cold, snow and ice, too. Here a few tips to keep your fur-babies safe this winter.

1. Consider the temperature before letting your pets be outside for a long period of time. Despite their fur, if it is too cold for you to be outside for long, it is probably too cold for them, too. Never leave pets alone in a car in the cold. Serious health issues can develop quickly, including death.
2. Talk to your vet about a paw cream or balm that you can use on your pet’s paws to protect them from salt and other ice-melting chemicals. Petroleum jelly is also an option, but your vet can advise you on the best protection for your pet’s paws. Booties may also be an option.
3. Every time you walk your dog, be sure to wash their belly and feet to remove any salt or chemicals. Always look between their toes for redness or cracks, as these can be very painful to your pet.
4. Never shave your dog too closely during the winter. Their longer hair adds warmth, just like wearing a coat. If you see ice clinging to their hair, just trim it to remove the ice or salt clinging to them. Remember to check between their toes and consider buying your short-haired dog a coat or sweater to wear.
5. Make sure to completely dry your pet’s fur when you come inside from a walk or a romp in the snow. Their skin can get dry and itchy, just like ours, if they repeatedly go out and come back in without being dried off.
6. If you can, avoid giving your pet as many baths in the winter. Again, this can cause dry, itchy skin because essential oils are removed with every bath. If you have to give your pet a bath, use a moisturizing shampoo or rinse to prevent dry skin. If you aren’t sure what product to use, ask your vet.
7. Make sure to feed your pet a little extra in the winter because staying warm burns extra calories. Also, always make sure your pets have plenty of fresh water. If your pet is outside, check several times a day that their water isn’t frozen. Use plastic food and water bowls as your pet’s tongue could stick and freeze to a metal bowl.
8. Always clean up antifreeze spills carefully. Antifreeze is lethal for pets so be sure all spills are gone before letting your pet near the area. Ice melting products are also dangerous so watch your pet carefully to be sure they don’t ingest any while you are walking.
9. While playing in the snow is a favorite activity for many dogs, never let your pet off their leash during a snowstorm or on ice. Dogs can easily lose their scent and become lost. Always make sure your pet is wearing a current license to help them get home safely.
10. Make sure your pet has a warm, cozy place to sleep that is off the floor and away from drafts. A warm blanket on a dog or cat bed will be very appreciated by your pet.
11. If your pet is outside for long periods of time, make sure they have a protected place to get warm. This needs to be draft-free and large enough to allow them to move easily, but small enough to hold body heat. Do not use blankets as these will get wet and not hold their body heat. Use straw and cover the door with heavy plastic or waterproof burlap.
12. If you have a cat or know there are stray cats in your area, bang on the hood of your car before you start it. Warm engines can attract cats and other small animals and the noise will scare them away before you start your engine.
13. Make sure all of your larger animals have adequate protection from the cold. Offer extra food and use heated buckets or water heaters to be sure your animals always have fresh water to drink.

It doesn’t take long to prepare your home to keep pets and larger animals safe in the winter. Prepare now so when the cold and snow arrive, you will be ready and your pets will be safe.

Category: People & Places