10 Tips for Keeping Dogs and Cats Warm

Winter weather is still here, and many people seem to believe that their pets have abilities to withstand nature’s worst. Even dogs with thick fur coats are vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

“Runners in bitter winter weather might wear excellent gear from head to foot, complete with eye, nose, and mouth protection, and not consider for a moment their dog’s paws or lungs,” says Anna Nirva of Sunbear Squad. “And their valiant dogs might not show obvious signs of distress before collapsing. These runners might be intelligent,   responsible pet guardians in most ways; they might love their companion animals very much. But could they have incorrect assumptions about animal invincibility? Yes, and vet clinics treat the four-legged victims of this misconception often during cold snaps.”

5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Warm

1. If you have a short haired dog, make sure he is wearing a coat or sweater.

2. In snowy areas, make sure the coat you provide for your dog is waterproof.

3. Don’t forget boots to keep his feet warm.

4. If there is snow or ice on the ground and your dog isn’t wearing boots, make sure the fur between the pads of his paws are trimmed. Ice can stick to the fur and freeze. Trimmed fur and boots are the best option.

5. Limit the amount of time outdoors when temperatures dip below freezing.

5 Tips for Keeping Outdoor Cats Warm

1. On icy cold days, please keep your cats indoors. I personally keep my cats indoors year round. It is safer for them overall.

2. If the weather is above freezing and you want to let your cat out, make sure he is well fed. The extra calories (I’m not talking about overweight cats.) will keep him warmer.

3. Leave out fresh water, and change it often to make sure it doesn’t freeze.

4. If you can set up a shelter for your cat outdoors, make sure it is stocked with straw, not newspapers, towel, or blankets, which hold the cold.

5. Before you start your car, tap loudly on the hood and check under it because some cats will curl up there because it is warm. Make sure there is no antifreeze on garage floors. Antifreeze is sweet tasting and if dogs or cats lick it from the garage floor, it can be deadly.