When the temperature starts to drop, we take a lot of steps to prepare for the deep freeze. And our pets need to prepare too!
The best thing you can do is be informed about how your pet’s needs change as the weather changes. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind so that your pets stay safe as it gets colder!
Different pets have different tolerances to the cold, depending on various factors including body type and age. Be mindful of your pet’s individual preferences, and use garments made for pets if they need help staying warm. However if you use a garment like a dog sweater, always make sure it stays dry and change it if it becomes damp. Wet clothing can actually make a pet colder.
Make sure your pet is healthy and their immune system is not compromised by bringing them in for a checkup. Cold weather can exacerbate health issues, so getting a checkup is important even for pets that seem healthy.
Cars provide a source of warmth that cats and animals will seek when temperatures get low. Make sure to always tap on the hood of your car to alert any sleeping animals that could be injured when the car starts.
When your pets come in from being outside, make sure to thoroughly wipe their body and paws. The salts and chemicals used to melt snow can get stuck in your pet’s fur and paws, which is not good for them to ingest.
Snow can affect a pet’s sense of smell and ability to find their way, resulting in many pets getting lost during the winter. Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing an identification tag so that they can easily be returned in case they become separated from you.
Cold weather can also result in some emergency situations like power outages. Make sure you have an emergency plan for your family that includes your pet.
We hope everybody stays safe and warm this winter!
