Wintertime can be great fun for the family. Snow days filled with snow covered hills, red noses and rosy cheeks; there are so many memories to be made. Especially when you get your pet outside for the first time and they attempt to flamingo walk through the shockingly cold and wet snow! We love the fun that can come with cold weather but just as we remember to take precaution and protect ourselves in the winter months, we need to do so for our pets too.
Tips to help dogs feel comfortable in the cold:
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Do not leave your dogs outside for too long as they are accustomed to being indoors. While they may enjoy spending time outside in the warmer months, they can become cold quickly.
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Short coated breeds have a harder time coping with the cold, so if you see them shivering, consider investing in a coat or sweater.
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If your pet still needs to go on long walks you can help their feet stay cozy by trimming the hair around their paws to avoid ice from forming or even finding a pair of boots to keep them covered.
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Remember that although walking on salted paths may be helpful during your walk, it can be rough on their paws so be sure to rinse off any salt when you come in from the outdoors.
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As the days are shorter and your walks may turn to nighttime ones, be sure to wear reflective clothing and don’t forget to get some for your pet as well. Something as simple as a reflective leash can help drivers see you and your pet in the dark.
Survival tips for your cat in the winter months:
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Cats are great at cuddling up to their owners, it’s one of the reasons we love them so much but when their human friends aren’t around it is important they have a warm and cozy place for themselves.
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If your indoor cat does go outside they may go looking for a place to warm up, sometimes they huddle up to a car engine and when the car is started it can cause serious damage to our feline friends. Be sure to check under your car or your neighbours’ car to make sure your cat hasn’t situated themselves there.
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Make sure that your cat is fitted with a microchip in the event they do go off looking for a warm place outdoors.
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Very important – lookout for hidden dangers during the holidays. Poinsettia and Lilies are popular holiday plants but are actually poisonous for cats!
Don’t forget our small furry friends:
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Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters etc. can also feel the change in weather and it is important to consider their environments.
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Hutches are best positioned inside, away from anywhere that rain, sleet, hail and snow can blow in.
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If your pets need to stay outside, use an old blanket or sheet to cover their hutch. Always remember to change their bedding as often as you would in warmer months.
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Be sure to check the ball in your pets water bottle to be sure it has not frozen in place. Push it in every few hours to be sure it will not freeze.
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Aside from making sure your pet stays warm, encourage your pet to get their exercise to keep warm and stay healthy.
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Pets need more calories to stay warm so be sure to provide more hay during the cold months.
Most importantly, be sure to enjoy the closeness the winter can bring to your family and pets. Wishing everyone a warm and cozy winter!