While winter is the perfect time to cuddle up with your pet for a bit of warmth, being outside in the cold can expose your pet to a number of dangers. Before the temperatures drop, here are some winter pet safety tips to keep your best friend safe and warm all season long.
7 ways to care for pets in winter
1. Manage your pet’s food intake.
Like humans, dogs and cats need calories to generate energy, and food is the energy source that keeps our furry friends warm by expending energy through exercise and shivering. The amount of calories a pet needs varies depending on their weight and coat type. Dogs and cats with low body fat and thin or hairless coats may need more calories in the winter to maintain their body temperature. On the other hand, pets with high body fat and thick coats may need fewer calories in the winter because they are better protected from the cold and don’t need to expend as much energy.
2. Make your home safe for pets.
As the cold weather approaches, your four-legged friend may be spending more time indoors, and winter pet safety needs extra attention as the new season approaches. While potential hazards such as cleaning chemicals, electrical cords, plants, and medications should always be kept away from your pet, special attention should be paid to new items brought into the house during the winter. For example, always make sure the heater is off before leaving your dog or cat home alone. If you choose to warm your home with a fireplace, be careful not to let your pet get too close, especially since coals can be unpredictable.
This winter is also a great opportunity to provide your pet with fun toys, such as chew toys for dogs or cat squeakers, to help keep them happy and entertained for longer periods of time, while you enjoy the season together.
3. Manage your time outside the home.
Acclimating your dog or cat to winter weather can help their bodies adjust to the cold temperatures. Always bring the right gear and precautions with you whenever you go outside. Before you go out, make sure your pet is on a leash and has a microchip. While you’re outside, reduce the amount of time your four-legged friend spends outside. While their thick fur may protect them from harsh winds and harsh weather, your pet can still be sensitive to the cold. Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it might be too cold for your dog or cat.
You should also consider how much sunlight you have left before taking your pet outside. As the days get shorter, you’ll want to make sure you head back inside before the light dims too much to see. If you’re walking your dog after sunset,
4. Provide a bathroom in the house.
While many dogs are trained to potty outside, eliminating indoors may be necessary on cold winter days. Having litter pads on hand is especially important when the weather is inclement. Place the litter pads in a warm area of your home and make sure your dog is properly trained. In the event your pet has to go outside, shovel snow into a small area (near your house if possible) so that they have a designated spot to potty.
Cats also need a warm place to urinate in cold weather. While parents may keep their litter box in an out-of-sight location, such as a garage or storage room, these places can be too cold for cats in the เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย winter. Move the litter box to a warm area of your home where your cat can easily and comfortably access it.
5. Prepare a first aid kit for your pet.
Winter weather often brings with it power outages and snowy, dangerous roads. In case you need pet supplies or can’t get your pet to a veterinarian in an emergency, you should have a pet first aid kit that includes the following items:
- Adhesive bandage
- tweezers
- Hydrogen peroxide
- cotton
- aspirin
- Disinfectant
- Antidiarrhea medicine
- towel
- scissors
- Gauze
- Rubber gloves
You should also stock up on food and water for your pet for four days, and any additional medication your pet may need.
6. Take care of your pet’s fur regularly .
You might be tempted to let your pet’s coat grow longer during the winter months, but winter is actually a prime time for grooming. Brush your pet’s coat regularly and gently remove any mats. Also, trimming the fur around your pet’s paws will help prevent contaminants from getting trapped. Since regular bathing helps prevent dry skin, it’s also important to keep a bathing schedule for your pet.
7. Check under the car.
Cats, in particular, may find your car a warm and cozy place to sleep. In fact, many cats have been found hiding under hoods, on the wheels, and in tight spaces inside cars. Check under your car and knock on the hood to dislodge any cats that may be hiding. This is a great winter pet safety tip, even if you don’t have a cat, as stray cats can also hide under your car.