The warm summer weather is almost a memory now, and as kids (human and furry) get ready for trick-or-treating, it’s a good time to make sure your pets are ready for the frigid winter temperatures.
While it might seem that all that fur should keep them warm, that’s not actually the case, especially for short-haired animals or if the fur gets wet. And in case you didn’t realize it, your pet’s toes, nose, and ears are even more vulnerable to cold.
Provide Safe Shelter
Pets need protection from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. In winter, that means proper shelter, plenty of food and lots of water. You must take precautions when temperatures drop below freezing, but remember, if the weather is too cold for you, it’s also too cold for your pet.
The best way to keep your pet safe in the winter is to keep him inside with you. If that’s not possible, you must take a few simple steps to provide protection.
Make sure your pet has warm, dry, draft-free, covered shelter, preferably in a garage, shed, or beneath a carport or porch awning.
Warm that shelter with bedding you check every day. Wet bedding can be fatal. You may want to look into purchasing electric heating products specifically made for a dog or cat.
An online search will show you many options for outdoor pet shelters, but with a little time and effort you can make one yourself. Take a look at this 5-step winter cat shelter and these tips for winterizing a dog house.
Provide fresh, unfrozen water to your pet every day. Inexpensive warmers can keep your pet's water from freezing.
Provide plenty of food as pets need more calories in the winter to help them keep warm, but be sure that other animals like squirrels and raccoons aren’t able to get to it.
Don't assume that your pet’s refusal to come inside means that he isn’t freezing. Often, dogs that are too cold will curl up in a fetal position and stay still in order to retain whatever body heat they have left.
Also, remember that puppies and kittens, as well as older dogs and cats, should remain indoors when it’s cold or wet outside. They just don’t have the fat, metabolism or the full fur coat they need to stay warm. Sick pets should stay indoors too.
Watch the Salt
When your dog goes outside during the winter, there’s a good chance he’ll step or roll around in rock salt. He may try to lick off the salt which can lead to salt poisoning. This can lead to the destruction of brain cells due to the lack of water, creating neurological symptoms like dizziness, headache, and seizures. Be sure to wipe down your dog every time he comes inside, and make sure he has access to plenty of fresh water.
Lock Up the Antifreeze
Antifreeze is deadly, and it’s one of the most common causes of poisoning in small animals. Keep your pet safe by making sure all antifreeze containers are tightly closed and put away on a high shelf. Also make sure your car is not leaking antifreeze that your pet can find. It takes only a small amount to make animals very sick.
Watch for the signs of antifreeze poisoning and call your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of them: drunken behavior, euphoria/delirium, wobbly, uncoordinated movement, nausea/vomiting, excessive urination, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, depression, weakness, seizures/convulsions/shaking tremors, fainting and coma.
Tap the Hood of Your Car
During the cold winter months cats will often seek out any warm space they can find. Sometimes that’s snuggling near a warm car engine. Prevent injuries or death by gently pounding on the hood, slamming the car door or honking the horn, then wait a moment or two before you start the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.