As we start to pull out our thermal clothes and bundle up for the chilly months to come, it’s important to also prioritize the cold-weather needs of our four-legged friends.
All animals have unique needs when it comes to cold weather. Some pets are more adept at handling the cold, while others may be more vulnerable to the elements. You know your pet and their needs best, but for additional support on keeping pets warm in winter, here are 6 things to consider to help keep your pet happy and healthy all season long.
1. How do I tell when it is too cold for my pet?
The easiest answer to this question is simple - if it’s too cold for you, it is most likely too cold for your pet. All pets are unique in their temperature threshold, so it is important to consistently monitor your pet when the weather is cold and start to gauge where their limits are.
Some pets, like huskies and mountain dogs, are naturally more durable against lower temperatures, but that does not mean they can withstand long periods of time in the cold. A general rule of thumb is that no pet should not be left outside (or inside a car) when temperatures are at or below 32 degrees.
Watch for any warning signs that your pet is too cold. These include:
Trembling
Slow breathing
Difficulty / slower moving
Whining
Tucked tail
Seeking shelter
Lifting paws off the ground
Cold ears, paws, or tails
If your pet is displaying any of the above signs, get them into a warm, dry environment as soon as possible. Provide plenty of water and call your local Thrive Veterinarian if symptoms persist after 30 minutes. 2. Provide extra layers of warmth
Try to keep your pet’s fur as long as possible during the winter months (if possible).
Fur provides pets with an added layer of protection from the elements and helps trap warmth against their body.
Delay large haircuts and instead opt for sanitary trims and regular brushing until the temperatures rise.
If your pet’s fur is already short or shaving them is necessary due to matting or fleas, ensure you are prepared to provide them with additional options for warmth.
Use coats or sweaters designed for pets
Especially pets with shorter hair, smaller breeds that feel the cold more easily, older pets with lower immune systems, and any pet when the temperature is below freezing.
The clothing must be snug to avoid catching on anything or causing trips, but not so tight that it constricts movement or breathing.
Always ensure the coat is dry before dressing your pet. Change it out for a dry sweater if it has become damp due to snow or rain.
Provide your pet with extra blankets in areas where they typically spend time.
Remember, when we are feeling chilly, we put on extra layers to stay warm. Our pets do not have this luxury. Providing cozy bedding will keep them comfortable without needing to turn up the heating throughout the whole house.
3. Protect against dry skin and cracked paws
Nose and paw pad moisturizers
Just as our lips can become chapped, our pet’s noses can dry out in the cold. Rub some snout moisturizer on their nose each day to keep it comfortably moist.
Keeping your pet’s paw pads moisturized helps protect them from painful cuts, sores, and even infections.
Protective booties
Use humidifiers inside if necessary
Heaters can cause the air inside your home to become very dry, further drying out your pet’s (and your own) skin. If you are consistently running the heating inside your house, try using a humidifier as well to help keep the air moist and your pet’s skin soft.
4. Watch out for winter hazards
Antifreeze & Chemical Agents
Antifreeze and chemical agents spread onto community streets are incredibly toxic to animals. Not only can your pet ingest these chemicals by licking their contaminated fur, but they can also enter your pet’s bloodstream through any cuts or cracks in their skin or paw pads.
If you use antifreeze on your vehicle, driveway, steps, or anywhere else around the house, make sure you are diligent about cleaning up any spills.
If your pet steps in antifreeze or walks along a street treated with a chemical deicer, clean their paws thoroughly to ensure no residue is later ingested.
Keep any containers of antifreeze well sealed and out of paws' reach.
Consider purchasing a pet-safe deicer for your home.
Ice and Frozen Waterways
Older dogs with brittle bones are more susceptible to
bone fractures if they slip. Find some non-slip dog or cat booties for them to wear on their walks to help reduce their risk of falling on icy land.
The surface of frozen ponds, lakes, or pools can easily break without warning. Avoid walking on frozen waterways with your pet as a dip into the icy water can cause hypothermia, drowning, and other serious health problems for your fur baby.
5. Increase Your Pet's Visibility
With the shorter days, you may often find yourself walking your pet or letting them out to roam the yard when it’s dark outside. Lighter colored pets also run the risk of becoming lost in the snow if you live in a particularly cold environment.
Keep your pet safe from vehicles, other animals, or from getting lost by:
6. Create an emergency plan for your pets
Weather can be very unpredictable during the winter months. Large storms can cause power outages, days snowed inside, and even supply chain issues. Make sure your home is always stocked with enough of your pet essentials to get you through if access to stores or deliveries ever becomes limited.
Have at least a week’s worth of pet food, water, and their medications stocked at all times in the home.
Plan a pet-friendly place to stay and a method of ensuring your pet gets to this safe place in the event you need to evacuate your home.
Keep extra supplies in your car to help your pet stay warm, dry, fed, and hydrated in the event your car becomes trapped during travel.
