Temperature drops can be hard on your pets. Below are some suggestions to help keep your pets healthy and safe during the winter.
Keep your home humidified.
Rinse and dry your pet’s paws when entering the home. Salt and chemicals used to melt ice and snow can be licked off of bare paws and cause your pet to become seriously ill.
Keep your dog’s coat long for added warmth but trim it to reduce salt crystals and de-icing chemicals from sticking to it.
Get in the habit of banging on the hood of your car and checking under it. Cats often hide and sleep under the hood. You may also want to wait a few minutes before starting the engine.
Keep a few day’s supply of essentials, in case the roads become unsafe and you can’t reach a veterinarian. Pet food, litter, clean water, medications, and a first aid kit should be included.
Dress your dog for winter by getting him a coat or sweater.
Check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
Try not to bathe your pet too often, not only will it make your pet cold but it will further dry and flake the skin. Use moisturizing shampoo when bathing your pet and be sure to towel dry him afterwards.
Feed your pet more during winter months to account for the extra energy expended trying to keep warm.
Provide a warm and comfortable bed away from windows and doors.
Keep pets indoors and do not leave them in cars unsupervised or they can get frost bite or hypothermia.
Dress your dog for winter by getting him a coat or sweater.
Massage your pet’s paws with petroleum jelly to help protect paw pads when going outdoors.
Use Booties to protect the paws and avoid irritation. Walking your pets without protecting their paws can cause ice and snow balls to get lodged in between his toes and foot pads.
Keep your pet hydrated by providing plenty of water and keep an eye out for his water intake.
Dogs lose their scent in the snow and ice which causes them to become disoriented and get lost easily. Be sure to keep their ID tags on them at all times and do not leave them outdoors for too long.
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