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Winter Weather Tips for Caring for Your Pet

Posted January 15th, 2019 by daniel

We love our pets. We buy them gifts, special food and spend time with them. So, when it comes to taking care for them, we do it without hesitation – after all, they are family! But it is not always easy to know what type of care or proactive measures need to be made in order for our pets to be most comfortable – especially during the winter when temperatures can fluctuate or hover well below the comfort level.

So, if you are concerned about your pets when the temperatures drop – and who isn’t? – then these winter weather tips are especially for you.

8 Winter Weather Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe and Warm

  1. Know your pet’s limits – especially if they spend a great deal of time outside. Some animals are better equipped to deal with cold weather than others. If you have a pet that doesn’t “do cold weather” as well, then be sure to limit outside time. A simple rule of thumb is that if it is too cold for you, then it is likely too cold for your pet as well.
  2. If you have an outside cat, or perhaps a neighbor does, be sure to check your vehicle’s hood and tire wells before leaving for work in the morning. Cats love to sleep up off the ground and your vehicle is the perfect bed. A simple approach is to give the cat(s) a warning by honking the horn when you get in your vehicle, or using your key fob to trigger the assorted sounds.
  3. If you let your animals wander the yard or take them for walks, be sure to take time upon returning home to clean their paws of any debris or chemicals they may have stepped in while walking. As you do so, be sure to check for any signs of injury, as the cold weather makes their skin drier and thus more prone to a scratch or cut.
  4. Depending on where you live, or the recent temps, there can be ice patches along your walking route. Endeavor to keep your pet off of these areas so there is less risk to them (and you!) of slipping and becoming injured.
  5. Just as you don’t want to leave your pet in a vehicle when it is too hot, the reverse is true in winter. Extended time in a cold vehicle can lead to freezing and hypothermia.
  6. Avoid spills-especially those common things such as anti-freeze that can be spilled in a garage or driveway. This product tastes sweet to our pets but can cause serious illness and death.
  7. Do you have cat or dog with short hair? Then invest some of the fun outfits/sweaters made for your pet. They will look adorable, and be warm, too!
  8. Talk to your vet to learn if there are any shots or vitamins that your pet could benefit from during the winter months.

These are but a few tips that can make caring for your pet during the winter better for everyone. Do you have additional tips? We would love to hear them.

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