Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe in Wintery Weather
1. Always Use a Leash
Keep your dog on a leash during walks and when they need to run outside to eliminate and avoid any risk of them running off.
2. Protect Their Paws
Purchasing dog booties, and let them get comfortable with them in the house before venturing out on a walk.
2. Protect Their Paws
Pet-safe de-icers exist, so check labels and purchase one of those options to be extra safe.
3. Consider Your Dog’s Breed & Age
Short-haired, frail, and senior dogs should spend as little time outdoors in bitter weather as possible. As hypothermia and frostbite are risk problems for dogs just like they are for humans.
3. Consider Your Dog’s Breed & Age
You may also want to think about wrapping them up with a dog sweater or coat to help maintain their body temperature.
4. Provide Shelter for Outdoor Cats
It's preferable if all of your animals spend the winter indoors. However, make sure you're giving appropriate shelter for those obstinate outdoor cats who aren't satisfied indoors.
5. Check Around Your Car
Before you head out to work or elsewhere, be sure to check around your car for any outdoor cats. During the cold months, it’s very common for them to seek the warmth of a car, whether in plain sight on a warm hood or curled up inside a wheel well.
6. Avoid Walking on Ice
Many unsuspecting pet owners assume their dog is light enough to venture onto ice-covered rivers in the winter due to their low body weight.
6. Avoid Walking on Ice
However, you can never be 100% certain that those bodies of water are frozen solid, and even their body weight might prove to be too heavy.