Discussing The Best Ways To Keep Your Pets Safe, Healthy, And Happy During The Cold Winter Months
Winter is finally here. With winter comes the freezing temperatures, cold winds, and snowy weather. While winter can be a fun and exciting season, it can also be a dangerous time of year for your pets. Being subjected to the cold winter weather and temperatures can lead to serious health complications like frostbite or hypothermia.
Your pet deserves the best care possible, and we want to make sure that happens during the winter too. The purpose of this article is to offer some general advice for pet owners on how to keep their pets safe, warm, and happy during the cold winter months. This article will also include some links to various products that can help make your pet’s overall winter experience more enjoyable.
Staying Indoors
One of the most obvious ways to protect your pets from the harsh winter weather is to keep them indoors. It’s a common misconception that dogs & cats can handle colder weather and temperatures because of their fur coats. While their fur coats do provide some additional insulation, they are still susceptible to getting cold, developing frostbite, and dying from hypothermia.
With the exception of potty breaks and short walks (for dogs), your pets should always be kept indoors during winter. Additionally, be sure to provide a warm and comfortable environment for your pets too. According to The Rescue Vets, the ideal indoor temperature for cats is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. According to One Hour Heat And Air, the ideal temperature for dogs is between 75 and 78 degrees.
Know Their Limits
It’s very important to know your pets and know their limits when it comes to cold temperatures. When taking your dog outside for potty or walks, pay close attention to their body language. Most dogs will let you know when they’re too cold. Signs of your pets being too cold include shivering, shaking, lethargy, and reluctance to move.
This applies to cats too. If they look or act uncomfortable indoors, then they probably are. Don’t be afraid to adjust your house thermostat accordingly to find the best temperature that keeps everyone in your home happy. It also helps to put down some soft, fuzzy blankets and/or pet beds too. The more warm and comfortable options you give your pets, the happier and healthier they will be this winter.
Winter Wellness Check
Speaking of health, it’s also important to get your pets a wellness check at the beginning of the winter. According to A.V.M.A. (American Veterinary Medical Association), cold weather has been known to worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Pets should receive a wellness checkup at least once a year or every six months. Just before the winter weather hits is a great time to get your pets’ annual checkup.
Check The Paws
After taking your dog for a walk, it’s a good idea to wipe down their paws afterwards. Dog’s paws are subject to snow, ice, and rocks while walking, which can become lodged between their pads. This can lead to cuts, bruises, and/or injury to your dogs paws & pads. Additionally, your dog’s pads can become dry and cracked from the cold dry weather. You can prevent this by applying pet-safe palm or wax to their paws. To learn more about the best dog paw balms and waxes, click here.
Winter Pet Gear
Lastly, you can set your pets up for success by dressing them up with winter pet gear and accessories. For example, you can have your dog wear a winter dog jacket or fleece jacket during their walks. Additionally, there are also winter dog boots your dog can wear to help protect their paws from the elements. Winter pet gear and accessories are a great way to keep your pets warm and dry when outside, but also keep them looking fashionable and cute.
For more information on the various winter pet gear and accessories available, click here
Hire A Pet Sitter Or Dog Walker This Winter!
If you or someone you know is looking for a pet sitter or dog walker, then look no further than My Dog Walker & Pet Sitting. We are fully insured & bonded and have over 10 years of experience working with animals. Click here to check out our wide variety of pet sitting services including in-home pet sitting and routine dog walking. We currently service the Medford, Medford Lakes, Shamong, and Tabernacle, NJ areas. To become a client, click here or give us a call at 856-217-2781. We hope to hear from you soon and happy Deaf Dog Awareness Week!