Winter can be a fun time of year. There’s snowmen to build, snowballs to throw and snow angels to make. There’s sledding and ice skating and snow skiing and ice fishing, too. But don’t forget about your pet friends during this cold time of year. Here’s some tips for keeping them happy and safe in winter time.
- If it gets too cold for you, it gets too cold for them, too. So don’t leave them outside when you go back inside.
- Feed them a little extra on those cold outside play days. That’ll give them the energy boost they’ll need. Just be careful not to let them get fat!
- Check their paws when they come back inside. Ice and snow can build up on them, and the salt used to melt ice can stick to them. Wipe them down with a warm cloth and they’ll have happy feet!
- Take shorter walks with your dog friends so they (and you) don’t get too cold. And stay off frozen lakes and ponds. The ice could break and you could fall through into freezing cold water!
- Know where your cat friend is. She may be sleeping under the car hood trying to keep warm, or she may even be under the wheel well where she can’t be seen. Make some noise or blow the horn so she’s not there when it’s time to drive somewhere.
- Let them stay home. Leaving them alone in a cold car in winter is just as dangerous for them as a hot car in summer.
- Give them a warm place to sleep. It’s best if they live indoors and have their very own bed and blanket. But if your pet friend lives outside, make sure their house is a few inches off the ground, that it isn’t drafty, and that there’s a thick layer of straw or cedar shavings on the floor. And cover the doorway with a heavy waterproof cloth.
- Chemical danger! The salt and chemicals used to melt the ice from your steps and sidewalk can cause irritation to your pet’s paws, or make them sick if they lick it. Use a pet friendly ice melting product instead. And remember, antifreeze is deadly to them. Make sure it’s stored where the can’t get to it and to thoroughly clean up spills.
- Be ready for bad weather. Heavy snow and ice, and those wet winter storms can make leaving your home difficult or impossible, as well as causing power outages that can last for days. So, when you plan for these emergencies remember your pet friends, too. They should have enough food, water and medicine to last at least 5 days. Also, provide a safe, warm place for them to hang out.