With record cold temperatures and snowfalls across the US these past couple weeks, make sure you know how to keep your pets safe in winter weather!
Bring them inside
The absolute most important thing that you can do to help keep your pet safe is to provide them an indoor place to stay. Even though they have a fur coat, dogs and cats can die from cold exposure just like people! For most pets who normally live inside, this isn’t a big concern. But for those who spend most of their life outside, the most important thing you can do is to bring them in to a heated, insulated environment.
Provide appropriate shelter
For those dogs and cats that absolutely can’t be brought inside, make sure they have an appropriate shelter. This includes an insulated house with a door flap and appropriate bedding (straw is ideal). Consider the stray animals in the neighborhood as well. Warm and cozy cat boxes can be made out of cheap Styrofoam or plastic containers to provide feral animals a place to stay safe. If animals must remain outside, make sure they have a source of available water at all times. You may need to use a heated dish to ensure that the water supply doesn’t ice over.
Limit time outside
Your pet may enjoy playing in the snow, but (just like kids) sometimes they get caught up in the fun and don’t notice the temperature. Delicate and at-risk areas such as the paw pads and ears can get too cold quickly. Be a responsible owner and limit your pet’s time outside to short periods.
Provide clothes and protect sensitive areas
For pets with short or thin hair coats…and those lean individuals with little body fat…you should provide appropriate clothes to help maintain their body temperature. There are lots of fashionable and functional clothing lines out there to help keep your four-legged friend warm. Also consider protection for at-risk areas such as ears or feet. Your pet may need boots to help keep their feet warm…or a snood/hat to cover their ears. Change clothes regularly to monitor for any rub spots and to make sure they stay clean and dry.
Watch out for dry, cracked paws and noses
Just like people, pet’s skin can dry out in the cold winter air. Also, their paw pads have increased contact with salt and other ice melts which can further damage the skin. If you notice the pads or nose are getting thick and dry, consider using a protective coating such as Musher’s Secret.
Use pet safe ice melt products
Many ice melts are NOT pet safe. Make sure that any ice melt products that you purchase are safe for use around pets.
Antifreeze is toxic
The use of antifreeze, and subsequently pets’ access to the compound, increases during cold weather. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly toxic to animals! Even ingesting a small amount can be fatal to both dogs and cats. If you must utilize antifreeze, make sure there is no possibility of animals being exposed. Store the product out of reach. Clean up any spills quickly and completely. If you think you animal has potentially been exposed to antifreeze, see a veterinarian immediately.
Check cars for cats or other animals
Cats and other animals commonly seek warmth and shelter under the hood of parked vehicles. Check for any stowaways before starting your vehicle. You can check visually or bang on the hood to frighten out any hiding animals. Starting the car with an animal under the hood can result in severe injury or even death.
