Don't Let the Winter Chill Hurt Your Pets - Here's How to Keep Them Safe!

How cold does it have to get before your pooch or kitty stays inside? While we don’t have the answer to that question, we do know that keeping your pets warm in winter is of the utmost importance for their health and safety. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to keep your pets happy and healthy all winter long! Here are some tips on how you can take care of your furry friends this winter season.

Bring your pets inside

?If you have a dog, you may want to consider bringing them inside for most of the winter. If it is too cold for your dog, it will most likely be uncomfortable and not able to sleep. Pets that are left outside in cold weather can develop frostbite and hypothermia. Cats do not need as much protection from the cold as dogs do because they can keep themselves warm by grooming themselves with their paws. However, if it is really cold out and your cat spends a lot of time outside, be sure they have access to plenty of food and water during these times so they don't get dehydrated or starve.

?Get them a warm bed

?Cats and dogs need to have an insulated, heated bed that they can call their own. No matter how well your cat or dog seems to be taking care of themselves, you must provide a warm bed for them during the cold season. A good way to do this is by filling a kennel with straw or hay and covering it with blankets. You may also want to consider adding some kind of insulation so that there are no drafts in your pet's sleeping area.

?Give them extra food

?It may seem like an extra expense, but feeding your pet an additional meal or two will help keep them warm. Don’t forget about their water intake, too! In cold weather, pets need to drink more water because they lose fluids from panting and licking themselves. They also can suffer from low blood sugar due to decreased activity levels. And lastly, your pet needs a comfortable place to stay indoors where it is safe from cold temperatures and predators.

?Be careful with anti-freeze

?It is important to know that anti-freeze can be toxic. Though it is designed for human use, dogs and cats are particularly attracted to its sweet taste. If ingested, it can cause severe illness or death because of the ethylene glycol it contains. You should be especially careful with anti-freeze in your car and around your home during winter months as there will likely be spills and leaks. Make sure you have plenty of fresh water available, too--a frozen bowl of water in a carrier or on a porch won't do much good if their body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).

?Wipe their paws

?If your pet has been playing in snow, mud, or other slushy substances, it is important that you wipe their paws when they come inside. The salt and grit from these substances can irritate your pet's paws and cause skin irritation. If left on for too long, this can lead to infection. In addition, salt will damage a cat's or dog's delicate paw pads which can lead to excessive wear and tear on their feet.

?For your pets' paws to stay healthy, they must have a nice clean surface when they are inside where they walk around. So one way you can help protect them is by placing mats in high-traffic areas of your house like near the front door or at entrances into rooms.

Regular Health Checkups

During the winter, dogs who are prone to arthritis could struggle. You should consequently pay close attention to his exercise regimens. If your pet has joint pain, ask your veterinarian about vitamins and other medications. It is usually good to take medications or supplements that might be necessary for pets living in cold climates during the winter months.

?Winter exercises for pets

?Although they may play with another pet or family member or momentarily occupy themselves with toys, the majority of pets won't exercise alone. Thus, it is our responsibility to increase household activities to keep them around. Take advantage of weather breaks by taking your dog for quick walks. Exercise for even a short time can have a positive impact.

Hair Shedding

?In many countries, dogs frequently complain of hair loss. The primary element influencing nutrition, genetics, and health that might cause dogs to shed excessive amounts of hair during specific seasons is photoperiod (light intensity). Dogs get a wonderful thick coat during the winter season every year after losing their summer coat. Furthermore, there is nothing that can be done to halt this process. To rule out parasites like fleas, ticks, mange, allergies, hormonal imbalances, bacterial infections, or yeast infections that cause hair loss, we advise taking your dog to the vet for an examination.

?Add more calories

?You should consider giving your dog more food if he enjoys the cold and prefers to spend time outside. Consider feeding your pet in smaller, more regular portions rather than at one or two meals a day. The food will taste better if you add some warm, no-salt chicken broth to it. This will undoubtedly result in a 10% rise in food intake if your dog exhibits evidence of being picky about his or her diet.

Make sure your dog consumes lots of meals rich in omega fatty acids to avoid dry, chapped, or cracked skin or paws.

?Change things gradually

Don't switch gears abruptly. Typically, this will result in the dog rejecting his meal, or worse, it could result in digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting, which can seriously dehydrate the dog. Offer new or modified foods gradually instead. For the first few days, combine the new items with the old half-and-half. While gradually reducing the old food, and increasing the new food. To get the dog to just eat his winter diet, keep doing this over a week or ten days.