How to Keep Pets Warm in Cold Weather
Well, folks! It’s now permanently winter for the next 4 or so months! This means that if it’s too cold for us, it’s too cold for the majority of breeds. During severe weather or winter months (temperatures in the single digits and below), dogs should be let out only to relieve themselves. Cats should be kept indoors at all times.
Has your Pet had its wellness exam?
If not, being outside in the cold weather can cause health issues and winter dangers for pets. Your pet should be examined by the vet once a year to make sure they are ready for all types of weather. Pets, like us, are limited by how many different types of weather we can tolerate depending on our body weight, where we come from, and our ethnicity.
Some Breeds love to Stay Outside:
There are dogs love to stay outside like Huskies, Malamutes, Great Pyrenees, and so on, and don’t need protection most likely these dog warm in winter. But the main domesticated ones need it! I love how somebody invented coats, jackets, and booties for dogs and cats, to make pets warm in winter. They even have cute designs so you can match your fur babies’ coats and booties! But the most important thing is to keep pets warm this cold weather every winter so they can enjoy the snow without any worries. Apart from the obvious pet stores, you can find them pretty much anywhere these days, with Walmart, Safeway, and Dollar Tree being your best pets for cold weather.
For warmth, cats have been known to climb onto vehicle engines or inside wheel wells. Knock on the hood of your car before starting the engine if you’re parked outdoors and suspect a cat could be hiding in your wheel wells under the hood.
Just like hot cars, cold cars can also be dangerous for animals. It transforms into a refrigerator, rapidly cooling your pet. So the best thing to do for your pets is to stay home.
Protect your Dogs Paws
Keep pets warm in the cold weather by wrapping their paws in booties. If you don’t have booties and they start keeping the paws up, that means icicles have formed in the cusps of the bottom of the paws. You should bring them in at that point or take them out before it gets worse.
Symptoms of Hypothermia
Symptoms of hypothermia include a weak pulse, dilated pupils, a decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, a body temperature below 95 degrees, stupor, and unconsciousness. The consequences of extreme hypothermia may include neurological problems, including coma, heart problems, and kidney failure.
Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Maintain a humid environment in your home and towel-dry your pet as soon as it enters, paying special attention to the feet and between the toes. Remove any snowballs from between your pet foot pads. Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt, and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
A good meal plan is another way to keep your pet prepared. Some people think that feeding their pets more will help them during the cold weather. That is only true with horses because more food helps them stay warm but not smaller domesticated pets.
Always make sure they are warm this winter, have food and water, and watch out for signs of illness.
Please don’t leave them alone for too long. They are precious to us; the four-legged keep us happy when nothing else does and put a smile on our faces when our world is crap.
I got all this from the ASPCA website and the Humane Society website.
Another thing for you to consider:
Adopt a Recovered Bird Month is observed every January and is a great time to bring a new feathered friend into your home. Did you know that there are thousands of abandoned and homeless birds in need of adoption? These creatures are often left to fend for themselves in appalling conditions. Thankfully, with the aid of the Internet, you can see and learn about these birds before deciding which one to adopt. People who keep birds as pets prefer them for their delightful songs, playful nature, ease of care compared to larger animals, and their colorful plumage. Birds also blend well with people of all ages, making them suitable companions for both children and the elderly. They have a long life span, so make sure that you can accommodate this. They are amazing animals and can make your life 10 times better, just like your dog or cat did.
We love your pets as much as you do!
Learn more on How to Keep Pets warm in cold weather?
Inside and Out Pet Care wishes you and your pets a happy and healthy New Year! We are concerned about you. Call us today at (970) 425- 1427 to set up your free in-home consultation.