Pets Are Family Too

Brrrr, it is getting cold outside and in some places snow is on the ground. Now is the time to check up on our pets to protect them from the cold weather. To ensure a safe and healthy pet in the cold weather season, here are some cold weather tips to protect your pet family members during this winter.

For outdoor dogs in cold weather, make sure there is a sheltered dry area where your dog can seek refuge from the wet, muddy climate. The shelter should be a dry bedded area insulated with straw, shavings and other materials that trap warm air. Make sure that you check the dog bedding often for moisture and change it when it becomes wet. Your outdoor dog should gradually be allowed to get used to the changing cold so that they can adjust to the cold. However, in the extreme cold weather, you may have to let them indoors as a precaution. At night when the temperature drops too low, we bring our outdoor dogs indoors until the morning sun shines the next day. On a side note, when you bring outdoor pets inside for a period of time, the indoor air is generally drier and have less humidity, so brush them often and get a moisturizer or supplement for their skin. Ask your veterinarian which would best suit your outdoor dog.

Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended when the temperature gets below freezing! When the weather gets cold, pets must build up a thicker coat and get their footpads toughened for snow and ice. If pets get too cold, they could develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Dog ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite.

Dogs in the city, spend the majority of their time indoors, and do not handle the extreme cold weather well, at all. For short coat breeds, outerwear should be used to give extra protection from the cold weather. Dogs with short coats should not go outside without a sweater unless it is just a quick trip to relieve themselves. Lately, it has been quite cold here in the California mountains, and the Dachshund next door has very short hair. He spends a great deal of time outdoors during the day and he will getting a sweater today! Other short-coated breeds include Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boxers, Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas.

Outerwear such as dog boots and dog sweaters are necessary in places that have snow and rough winters. Dogs paws are extremely sensitive to cold weather and dog boots or booties are a great way to protect them from rock salt and sharp ice. Thoroughly rinse their feet after being outside, since ice can collect between pets’ toes.

Cats are normally indoor pets, but there are those that like to play outdoors. In winter and cold months, Please Check under hoods of Cars and Trucks for Cats! Cats may seek warmth under the hood of a car or truck. To avoid a surprise in cold weather, always check for sleeping cats. The sleeping cat may not always be your cat seeking warmth, but possibly an neighbor’s cat or a stray.

These are just some brief cold weather tips for pets to help keep your pet family member safe and healthy during the holidays and cold winter months! For more pet supplies, pet clothes and pet apparel, check out our Pet Shop.