Extreme Temperatures - Winter Edition

Clothing

While protecting your dog's sensitive paw pads from hot summer sidewalks is very important, they still need walks during cold winter weather too. Generally, your pup's fur will keep them pretty warm, but some dogs, short haired breeds like greyhounds or chihuahuas and older fur babies especially, need extra protection during their walks in the icy winter months. Some reliable options to keep your dog warm during your walks would be to bundle them up in a special dog jumper or waterproof coat.

Coats with reflective material are especially recommended for walks during dark or dusky hours. Dogs are generally comfortable with simple sweaters or jackets to keep them warm during especially cold walks, and if needed, booties for their delicate paw pads are good for frozen walkways. Encouraging your dog with treats while you introduce them to winter clothes is the best way to help them feel comfortable in their new garb. Cats are less likely to comply with dressing up in warm sweaters and booties to brave the harsh winter weather, but tempting them to stay inside with warm and cozy nap spots and tasty treats is likely to end successfully!

Remember, you should also wear warm, reflective clothes while you're out walking with your your dog, especially if your walk is later in the evening or during inclement weather. It's best for you and your fur baby to both stay warm and toasty on your walks!

Identification

Always keep your pets on a leash when walking during heavy snowfall and if a blizzard is raging, don't let your pets outside even if it's their usually routine. It's too easy for a pet to get lost during winter storms when their usual landscapes and scents are messed up, and this can put them at severe risk for hypothermia. Make sure your furry friend is microchipped, and if they wear an ID tag, that it has up-to-date contact info just in case they get lost during a blizzard or other inclement weather.

Dealing with Ice

During icy and snowy walks especially, check in on how your dog is walking, their paws might be too cold or snowy for an extended stroll if they seem to be struggling. Additionally, when you get home be sure to give your dog's paws a good wash! Salts used to stop the roads from getting icy can be bad for their skin. Be aware that de-icing chemicals and especially spilled antifreeze can hurt or poison your pet so make sure to prevent them from licking it off of the winter snow or icy pavement. Remember, antifreeze is usually a bright color like blue, green or red and should be avoided at all costs if you notice a patch in the snow, especially as this toxic chemical tastes sweet and may attract pets!

Keep your pets away from frozen water like ponds and lakes which can be deceptively thin and would be very dangerous for your pet to run or walk on. If your pet ends up on potentially dangerous ice patches, do not follow them! Encourage your pet to join you again off of the ice and depart the area for somewhere safer.

Indoor Stimulation

With the influx of cold, wet and all together dreary days, it is understandable that your pet is spending increasingly more time indoors. Make sure that their time indoors is just as stimulating by treating your fur baby to extra indoor exercise and loving attention! Playing stimulating games with your pet will both help to tire them out and prevent any destructive or zoomy tantrums from being bored. Keeping your pet active during these chilly months ahead will also help prevent unwanted weight gain and lethargy that is detrimental for their health. Keep in mind if your home gets unexpectedly cold during a freeze, don't let your pets get too close to heat sources like fireplaces, furnaces, radiators and space heaters as they could burn themselves or knock over heaters and cause fires.

Cat-related Precautions

Having a warm and cozy space to snuggle up during the short and chilly winter days and long cold nights is especially important for our kitties, so make sure that their beds are away from drafty windows and doors and cushioned with extra blankets. During the day, cats should be given the choice to go out, only if they're used to going outside of course! Ideally, your cat should stay inside overnight during cold weather, as they aren't used to extreme temperatures and can easily get too cold. If your cat typically explores outside having them microchipped is a good idea in case they end up going somewhere unexpected to warm up, they can be easily traced back to you. Also, if pets (or any animals) have access to your car always give it a few knocks or a quick search in the morning before you start it. Cats are especially known to curl up near the engine to take advantage of the warmth, which can be dangerous when the car turns on.

Health Considerations

It happens every time winter rolls around, the colder the temperature the higher a craving for snacks and munchies! Especially if your area is in for bad weather, it is important to stock up on all the food and supplies your pet might need. The power may go out and the roads may be impassable in the worst winter storms so having an emergency kit of extra food, blankets and any medications that your pet may need is important to have on hand. Additionally, if your pet hasn't been to the vet for a while, it's a good idea to schedule a checkup before any really bad winter weather sets in. This is even more true if your pet suffers from medical conditions that cold weather could exacerbate (such as arthritis).

Stay safe and warm this winter!