If you’re the beloved owner of a cat or dog, chances are you’ll need to take a few extra steps this winter to ensure they can endure the brutally cold weather. This is especially true if you have a senior pet, as they are more susceptible to injury. Dawg Fence shares the following advice on making sure your pets are safe this season.
Winter Checkup
Before winter sets in, make sure your pet is up to date on exams and vaccinations. This gives you insight into their current health, while also helping you determine if your fur baby is suffering from any illnesses or injuries.
The Effects of the Cold
The cold weather poses many health concerns for pets. If exposed to extremely low temperatures they may be at risk for frostbite and hypothermia, as well as dry and itchy skin. To help combat these conditions, don’t shave your animals down or wash them too often. Keep an eye out for signs of unusual behavior, and regularly check their paws for cracks and bleeding after they’ve been outside. Keeping the hair trimmed between their toes will reduce the amount of ice build up as well.
Keeping Warm Outside
If your pet lives outdoors, you will need to provide them with housing or put them in a garage in order to adequately protect them from the elements. A house should be just large enough for them to stand up in and turn around, but not so large that it doesn’t trap in heat. It should also lift up and off of the ground and face away from wind.
Put some dry bedding in there and consider keeping it heated via warming pads that are made specifically for pets. However, you will need to monitor any source of heat so they don’t burn themselves, chew on it or start a fire. Also check that their water is not frozen and change it often along with any bedding.
Keeping Watch from Afar
If you’ll be away from home when your pet is outside, consider installing a smart video camera so you can keep a close eye on them from a distance. If you decide to go this route, be sure to keep a quick reference handy for troubleshooting potential problems.
Ask for Help
Reaching out to a friend for this favor might feel a bit awkward, but it doesn’t have to be! With a free invitation maker, you can create a fun and personalized request that adds a touch of warmth and sincerity to your plea. This tool allows you to customize your message with charming designs and heartfelt words, making it more than just a simple task. It becomes a token of your trust and appreciation, transforming an ordinary favor into an extraordinary gesture.
Adjust Calorie Intake
According to Pet Best, “Outdoor pets will need to eat more calories in the winter than in the summer.” However, be careful to not overfeed them. You should consult with your veterinarian about whether your pet is suitable for living outside. Animals are more prone to suffer from arthritis during the winter and their condition could worsen depending on age, how short their hair is, and how close to the ground their body is. If that is the case, avoid leaving them out for long periods of time and keep their walks shorter if their tolerance for the chilly air is low.
Check Your Pet
Be sure to clean your pet after they’ve been outdoors, as they could pick up antifreeze and other harmful chemicals that may be hazardous if licked off. Only use pet safe products to deter ice on your vehicles or driveway and think about microchipping them in case they accidentally get lost and cannot find their way home amidst the new landscape.
Indoor Safety and Comfort
Indoors, you’ll need to keep a watchful eye around space heaters, and store their crates and beds away from drafty areas. Many cats and dogs have higher resting body temps and need a blanket in their bed during colder months. Additionally, make sure windows are properly sealed. Keep poisons such as chocolate, cleaning products, medicines and certain household plants that can be toxic out of reach.
Prepare for Emergencies
Lastly, be prepared in the case of an emergency by having extra food, water and medicine on hand for your pets in case you are unable to get out. Just as you wouldn’t leave them in a hot car, you also shouldn’t leave them in a cold one. In fact, before starting it up, check underneath your car for a cat that may be seeking a warm shelter. You love your four-legged friend, so show them your love by making sure they stay safe, warm and protected this winter season.
For your PetStop electric pet fence experts in Lombard, IL, contact Dawg Fence today!