10 Tips to Help Winterize Your Pets

As the weather turns cold, it is important
to consider how seasonal
changes affect your pets. The following
tips will keep your pets safe
when the temperature dips.

• Keep pets inside as much
as possible. Young pets, old
pets and short-haired pets
are more vulnerable to cold
weather and should not be
left outside unsupervised.

• If your pet has to be kept
outside, provide shelter for
it. Add straw for additional
insulation from the cold and
provide a snug, warm bed
that does not sit directly on
the ground.

• Provide your pet with extra
food and water, in plastic
bowls, when outside for
extended periods of time.

• Ice-melting chemicals and salt
can irritate and burn the pads
of your pet’s paws. Thoroughly
wipe off your pet’s paws once
it has returned inside.

• Clip the long hair on the
bottom of your dog’s feet
to prevent build up of ice
balls that can be painful and
difficult to remove.

• Trim nails regularly. It
is difficult to maintain solid
footing with long nails in
icy conditions.

• Antifreeze is poisonous.
Thoroughly clean up any
spills and store household
chemicals out of your pet’s
reach. Consider using
products that contain
propylene glycol rather than
ethylene glycol.

• Bang on the hood of your
car before starting the engine.
Cats and wildlife may seek
warmth and climb into
the engine.

• Make sure your pet has a
warm place to sleep. All pets,
including small caged pets
need to be kept warm and
away from drafts.

• Contact your veterinarian
immediately if you suspect
your pet has frostbite or
hypothermia.

Following these winter-proofing tips
will help keep your pets healthy,
happy and safe during the cold winter
months.