Even though your pet can’t “tell” you that they’re cold, they definitely feel the chill when the temperatures drop during the colder months. Are you clued up on winter safety tips for pets? Dogs tend to get uncomfortable when temperatures drop below 7 degrees, and so do indoor cats. Here’s a quick look at what to keep in mind so you can keep your pet as safe as possible during the coldest months of the year!
Winter safety tips for pet owners
Keep an eye on their weight
A lot of pet owners think that they need to “fatten up” their pets before the winter months. In the hope that a little extra weight will keep them warmer, we sneak in a few extra portions of food every day. But this is not the right approach to take. Yes, your dog and cat might need more nutrients during the winter months, but they don’t need extra body weight. Instead of over-feeding your pet, a practical winter safety tip is to reconsider their winter diet and adjust it accordingly.
Don’t leave them outside for too long
Your dog can roam the yard all day long during the summer months. But when the chill sets in, they shouldn’t be left outside for extended periods. Aside from a select few breeds of cats and dogs, pets are a lot like humans and aren’t necessarily better prepared to handle the cold. If you’re cold, so is your pet. If you wouldn’t be outside, don’t force them to either.
Check your dog’s paws
Nobody likes having cold feet, and unlike you, your dog can’t put on warm boots when heading outdoors. An excellent winter safety precaution to take is checking your pup’s paws often for cracks and bleeding. To help soothe cracked paws, apply some organic coconut oil, which is a natural antibacterial.
Consider problems like arthritis and joint pain in older pets
If your dog or cat is a golden oldie, it’s especially important to be mindful of conditions like joint pain and arthritis during the winter months. Cold weather worsens these conditions and can make your pet seriously uncomfortable. Perhaps you might want to consider some CBD treats and oils during the cold months to provide your pet with much-needed relief.
Don’t neglect grooming duties
Dogs need to be well-groomed in order to stay adequately insulated, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. The weather might be colder, but you still need to bath your dog every few weeks. Be sure to dry them properly after giving them a bath though!
Final Thoughts
We’ve just shared 5 of the most basic winter safety tips that all pet owners need to follow in order to keep their furry friends happy and healthy during the coldest months of the year. Armed with these golden nuggets of advice, there’s no reason why Fido should brave the elements this year. Winter is coming. Are you ready?
