Frost is settling in every morning, flurries are falling, and the temperature is at its lowest. Now’s the time to ensure proper protection for your furry friends if they venture outdoors. If you follow these winter pet safety tips, your animals can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with little worry!
Safety Tips For Dogs
Dogs are the most likely pet to explore the outdoors during the coldest time of year; for that reason, it’s crucial to keep them warm while they’re out and about. Your precious dogs can benefit from outerwear, or animal jackets, to keep them insulated while they’re outside. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with short coats.
Aside from coats, you may want to invest in headwear to protect their ears, as they are one of the more sensitive parts of the body. Additionally, putting footwear on your dogs will keep the pads protected from blistering cold, as they also do with intense heat. You can also protect their paw pads from drying out or cracking by rubbing them with soothing waxes and oils that moisturize the surface.
Safety Tips For Cats
Our winter pet safety tips extend beyond our canine pals – we know many of our neighbors have feline friends who enjoy the outdoors. Cats often don’t handle excessive moisture well and get cold quickly when wet, so we recommend towel-drying them as soon as they come inside from their winter adventures.
Additionally, if your kitty spends a lot of time outdoors, they will burn many calories, meaning they may need more food in the winter than during the hot months if they stray outdoors. Outdoor cats also often seek heat and protection for naps; always check under and around your car, specifically under the hood by your engine, before going for a drive, as those are common hiding spots.
Winter Pet Safety Tips Across The Board
Every critter is different, but there are a few winter pet safety tips that apply to dogs and cats alike:
- Never expose your animals to antifreeze, as it’s extremely toxic to them.
- Keep their paws protected with boots, and a quick wipe after outdoor time.
- Be aware of your pet’s limits; they’re all different.
- Use caution when turning on space heaters to avoid burns and fires.
- Consider humidifiers to prevent itchy, flaky skin.
Cold Weather Pet Care, Roanoke, VA
Our pets are curious and often want to enjoy the winter weather like you do, but it becomes a hazard if we aren’t vigilant. Old Dominion Veterinary Clinic is here to answer any questions or concerns you have about winter pet safety tips and how to better protect your fur babies.
