Keep Pets Safe in Cold Weather

Know your pet and how much help they will need to stay warm and comfortable when the temperatures drop.

Temperatures are starting to drop for prolonged periods of time now and dipping to the lower digits by the day. Do you know how to keep your pet and other animals that stick around your house safe and healthy this winter?

1. Any dog, cat, horse, rabbit, ferret, or other small animal needs to be indoors when the temperature drops. If you can’t do that purchase an insulated dog house or build a protective enclosure that shields your pet from the elements and gives them a safe, warm place to rest away from the freezing cold and bitter winds. Throw in some bedding so they can cuddle into it and stay warm and cozy.

2. Inside or out your pet needs a constant supply of fresh water. If you live somewhere with mild summers and cold winters your dog will need to drink more water then on a summer day. If you live in a building where you have no control over the heat the dry heat will dehydrate your dog quickly don’t forget to leave water out when you leave for work.

3. Extra Food. Pets who spend much of their day outdoors will need some extra food throughout the winter months. That’s because they use up more energy trying to stay warm. A few extra kibbles won’t hurt an active outdoor dog that is working during the winter. You however don’t need to give extra food to your indoor dog that is not doing anything it wouldn’t normally do. In fact if you can’t go on long walks and play in the yard like you would during other seasons. Consider cutting back on food a tiny bit so they don’t gain weight during the winter.

4. Warm bedding even in the house your pet will need some extra bedding to cuddle up in. On really cold days you might want to put pajamas on a short coated dog even while indoors. Depending on the breed of your dog and how cold it is outside investing in a winter jacket might not be a bad idea if you plan on going for your morning run together. Depending on where you live your dog might have been able to get used to the dropping temperatures gradually and may only need a jacket a few times a year for those days it is unbearably cold in that case a jacket could last years if you invest in something well made.

4. Be careful of your pets while winterizing your car. Antifreeze is deadly to pets who are attracted to its sweet taste. Store all chemicals out of reach especially if you’re going to bring your pets into the garage on cold nights or allow a stray dog or feral cat to take up residence there out away from the wind and snow.

5. Before turning the key in the ignition of your car to warm it up on a cold morning, bang on the hood a time or two. A warm engine can be a welcome spot for a cold cat or other small animal and the noise should scare them away before you start the engine.