When the weather outside is fearsome, your pets could be at risk!
Keep record of these tips to keep your pets safe during winter:
Acknowledge their limits – Some dogs for example are more sensitive to the cold than others. Elderly, thin, very young dogs or short-coated get cold faster, therefore you need to adjust the amount of time they spend outdoors. Consider an outfit such as a coat or sweater if your dog enjoys outdoor activities and you plan to stay longer than a few minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia pose major risks to dogs during winter so keep in mind, that if its too cold you for, it’s probably too cold for your pet!
Clean their paws – Your dog’s paws can pick up all kinds of toxic chemicals like salt, de-icers or antifreeze during winter walks. Make sure you wipe off their paws after returning from a walk before they start licking off the chemicals. If you want an extra level of safety, you can purchase pet-safe de-icers for your home. In addition, check your dog’s paws when you are wiping them, in case they have an injury such as bleeding or cracked paws.
Avoid the ice – Be sure to avoid frozen ponds and lakes when walking your dog as they could be seriously injured or even killed if the ice breaks.
Check your car’s hood – Cats tend to sleep in the wheel wells during the cold months to keep warm. Bang on your hood or honk the horn before starting your car to avoid any injuries. It will give the cat a chance to wake up and escape before you start the car.
Keep them on a leash – During winter more pets get lost compared to any other season as snowfall disguises identifiable scents that would normally help them find their way back home. Keep them on leash especially when going for walks and make sure their collars are updated with the correct contact information.
Provide shelter – Preferably, all pets should be kept indoors. If your pets live mainly outside, bring them inside when temperatures drop below zero. Provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is big enough to sit and lay down adequately but small enough to preserve body heat. Ideally the floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with straw or cedar shavings. Additionally, pets who spend majority of the time outdoors need more food as they lose more energy trying to keep warm. Don’t use metal water and food dishes as your pet’s tongue can get stuck to the metal when temperatures are low enough – use plastic dishes instead.
Keep the spills away – Make sure you don’t leave any antifreeze traits behind as it attracts cats and dogs due to its sweet taste. It’s extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or death if ingested. Also, keep the bottle somewhere safe and not accessible to pets.
Keep them home – Just like hot cars are dangerous for your pets during the summer, leaving them in the car in the cold poses a threat as well. Never leave them unattended and only take them with you if necessary.
Be visible – Most of us are more likely to walk our dogs in the dark due to Daylight savings. Wear reflective gear and keep your dogs close to you when taking a walk.
Be prepared – Extreme weather conditions can cause power blackouts. Have an emergency plan in place and make sure it includes your pets. The emergency kit should include enough water, food and medication to last at least five days!
