Winter can be a season of frigid temperatures and harsh conditions. Just as we need extra protection to survive the season, so do our pets. Follow these tips to prepare them for cold weather and ensure their health, safety and happiness.
Keep your pets inside whenever possible. Most dogs and cats are safer and happiest when, except for bathroom breaks and exercise, they’re kept indoors during cold weather. Wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. Pets that get too chilled can develop hypothermia or even frostbite. If your dog continually shivers and is unresponsive, hypothermia could be setting in and you should take him to the vet immediately. After being outside, check your dog’s ears, tails and toes for frostbite – ear tips are especially vulnerable. Frostbitten skin usually appears pale or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap the area in a blanket or towel to gradually warm it and contact your veterinarian.
Shorthaired, sick, very young or old pets should never be left outside without supervision when temperatures dip. Consider a sweater or coat, as cold weather can exacerbate certain conditions, such as arthritis. Indoor pets generally are less active in winter, so talk to your vet about adjusting their calorie intake.
Protect your outdoor pets from the elements. If you absolutely cannot bring your outdoor pet inside, consider moving him into the garage or on the patio during winter. If unheated, buy a crate and except for the opening, cover it with blankets or other insulation. Do not start your car to let it warm up in the garage, as carbon monoxide can poison your pet.
If your dog must remain outside, he should be protected by a dry, insulated, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with warm, dry blankets. Remember that animals can drag a lot of moisture into their bedding from snow, sleet and slush, so check it often and change it when wet. Turn the house away from the wind and cover the doorway with plastic that can swing, much like a doggie door. Hang a thermometer in the doghouse to make sure it’s not getting too cold.
Consider purchasing a heated bed or a Snuggle Safe Microdisc that you heat in your microwave and use like a hot water bottle to warm your pet’s bed. Do not use a floor heater, as your pet can burn himself on it or knock it over, possibly starting a fire
Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make sure the water is fresh and not frozen. Use pyrex food and water bowls instead of metal, since your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal in cold temperatures. Consider investing in a heated water bowl. Outdoor pets also need more food in winter, as keeping warm depletes energy.
Longer coats of fur provide more warmth. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Maintain your pet’s grooming schedule, as regular brushing keeps your dog’s coat strong. Consider adding flaxseed oil, olive oil or supplements such as Missing Link, Nupro or Solid Gold Seameal to his diet to keep his coat healthy. Have your pet wear a coat or sweater, with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. When you bathe your dog in cold months, make sure to completely dry him before going out for a walk.
Protect your pet’s paws. Salt, de-icer and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Thoroughly wipe off your pet’s paws, legs and stomach with a damp, warm towel when he comes inside. Pets can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals that can also irritate their mouth when licking their paws. Safe Paws is a de-icer that is 100% salt-free and safe for pets to walk on. Use kitty litter or sand as an environmentally friendly alternative to salt – while it will not melt ice, it will provide better traction.
Specially made boots for dogs are an option to protect paws, although many dogs don’t like to wear them. It can help if you get them used to wearing them before cold weather sets in. Musher’s Secret is a non-allergenic blend of organic waxes that can be applied as a barrier cream on pads and between toes for protection.
Another frequently seen foot problem is the formation of ice balls (snow, ice, salt and gravel) between the pads and toes of the feet, especially in dogs with long fur. Once ice balls form, they can be very painful. Rinse your dog’s feet with warm water to melt them and keep the hair around his feet and toes, as well as nails, trimmed. When nails are long, the toes spread apart when walking, leaving more room for ice balls to form. Inspect paw pads after being outside, as they can become cracked and may even bleed from frozen snow or encrusted ice. There are many paw balms you can use to soothe cracked and irritated pads.
Never leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. Your car is literally a metal icebox in the winter, holding in the cold and potentially causing your pet to freeze to death.
Antifreeze is a deadly poison for pets. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can attract animals and even very small amounts can be lethal for them. Be sure to place out of reach when stored and thoroughly clean up all spills. Sprinkling the area with an absorbent material such as sand or cat litter will prevent the dog from licking the spot where the spill occurred. If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, take him to the vet immediately – there may be time to administer an antifreeze antidote. Consider using safer, alternative products made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, they can be less toxic to your pets.
Bang loudly on your car hood before starting the motor. Engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife that will crawl up under the hood seeking warmth. When the motor is started, the hidden animal can be hurt or injured by the fan belt or blade. Bang on the car’s hood to scare them away before starting the engine.
Use a screen on your indoor fireplace. When using an indoor fireplace in a home with pets, always use a fireplace screen to prevent furry tails from getting too close to the flames.
Make sure all pets have ID tags and a microchip. A higher number of dogs are lost in winter months, as they can lose their scent in snow and ice and become unable to find their way home. Don’t let your dog off the leash and make sure he wears an ID tag and has a microchip, so he can be easily returned if lost.
Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs. It’s very common for puppies to refuse to go outside, so housebreaking can be difficult during winter. Don’t get impatient. In this case, add another step by paper-training them inside until the weather warms. No shortcuts though, if you choose to take them outside to go to the bathroom. You have to stay outside with them the entire time to be their coach and cheerleader when they go to the bathroom in the designated, accepted place.
Your pets are part of the family, so remember to give them the cold weather care and protection they deserve!