Getting your cat or dog ready for winter is crucial as colder weather approaches. Is a leopard-print parka the right choice for your dog this winter? Maybe not the most important decision you will have to make concerning your dog, but as the temperature drops, we do need to prepare our pets for the season. Keep these tips in mind when getting your pet ready to brave the elements.

Dogs and cats rely on us for safety, health, and companionship. Providing these basic needs is always paramount for our pets, but even more so in winter. And although some dogs are better suited for the elements because of breed characteristics, extra precaution should be taken with all pets during the cold weather season.

“It’s essential to think about temperature when it comes to our pets,” said Adam Goldfarb, an issues specialist for the Humane Society of the United States. “Most pet owners use common sense, but some ignore important details when it comes to caring for their pets in winter.”

The basics

Keeping your pets indoors whenever possible is the easiest measure to take to ensure their safety in winter. Not only is an indoor environment safer for dogs and cats, but it can also enhance their mental state, as well.

“Dogs in particular are social animals,” Goldfarb said. “Having them indoors as part of the family is going to be better for their overall health.”

However, if your pet has to remain outside for any period of time, there are some simple measures that you can take to make their habitat more comfortable.

Keeping your dog’s outdoor shelter elevated and dry, as well as adding insulation such as hay or straw, will provide extra protection from the cold. Avoid blankets and towels, because they absorb moisture and can create a damp environment.

If you really want to spoil your pet this winter, a heated pet bed can help a dog or cat stay toasty. Throw in a high-tech heated water bowl, and transform your pet’s winter shelter into a luxury hotel.

Precautions

Take caution when using space heaters, because curious pets can get too close and risk getting burned. Toxic fluids in the garage, such as antifreeze, can be enticing to dogs because of their sweet scent, and are poisonous if ingested. Make sure they are kept out of reach.

Cats are resourceful and good at finding warm places to snuggle. However, they have been known to crawl into warm car engines, so make sure to bang on your hood a few times before leaving for work on those chilly days.

Importance of exercise

Just like people, animals need regular exercise and good nutrition, even during winter months. “Lack of exercise can be a problem when it gets cold,” Goldfarb said. “It’s not necessarily the dog’s lack of motivation, but some people find it hard to get up and take their dog outside when it’s cold.”

Walking or running with your dog can be fun, but as always, be careful for signs of exhaustion, such as heavy breathing and increased salivation. Although some dogs love to play in the snow, they can become disoriented, so keep your eye on them at all times. If your dog is not blessed with a lot of protective fur, or is elderly, a dog coat or sweater is the answer for those chilly strolls.

Whether you are running or walking with your dog, especially in urban areas, keep in mind that salt and chemical agents that are used for melting ice can irritate paws. A layer of petroleum jelly applied before a walk will provide protection, but make sure to check periodically for rock salt, gravel, or anything else that can get lodged between the toes or paws. You can purchase booties made especially for dogs at most pet retailers.  They’ll keep your dog’s paws warm and safe from the gravel and salt.

The Humane Society also recommends varying your pet’s routine by learning some indoor games that can not only fulfill their exercise requirement, but also provide some mental stimulation.

Lastly, keep in mind that your own mood can affect your pets. Dogs and cats pick up cues from us, and if you are blue during the winter months, your pet may reflect your behavior. So do your best to stay warm, healthy, and happy as you maintain your pets’ health this winter.

Reviewed by Amy I. Attas, V.M.D.

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