When it starts to get cold, we humans aren’t the only ones that need warmth. It’s essential to keep your pets safe and comfy too.

Keep Your Pets Indoors

In an ideal situation, all pets should live inside the house. When the temperature drops, it’s even more critical that you bring your dogs and cats indoors. Please don’t leave them outside.

If your animal friends usually stay outdoors, bring them in when the temperature goes below zero. It's best not to allow felines to remain outside under any circumstances. 

You may take your dog for their walk and exercise but keep them indoors the rest of the time.

Bundle Them Up

Don’t assume that animals with fur will be able to withstand the cold. While some breeds such as Huskies can live in freezing conditions, most creatures can’t.

While keeping your pets indoors protects them from the external elements, you’ll still need to ensure they’re not cold inside the house.

An article on the Furry Friends Gear blog says that dogs should wear sweaters if their fur can’t keep them warm enough.

Provide Outdoor Animals With Shelter

If you have no choice but to leave your pets outdoors, give them a dry, draft-free covered space that’s comfortable and warm. 

While the area needs to be large enough for the animal to lie down and sit easily, ensure that it’s sufficiently small to allow your dog or cat to retain their body heat.

Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with straw to keep it snug. Make sure the space isn’t chilly by directing it away from the wind.

You should also provide them with more food than usual because they’ll lose energy when generating heat to stay warm. Use plastic feeding bowls as your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Take Care of Your Dog’s Paws

Winter is the time when your dog’s paws can pick up toxic chemicals used to melt snow during their walks. If they lick these harmful substances such as antifreeze, salt, or de-icers, they can fall sick.

Take your furry baby to the vet immediately if you notice it ingesting rock salt.

One way to protect them is to put on dog booties or be sure to wipe their paws with a towel as soon as you return from your walk. Also, check for any signs of bleeding or cracked skin.

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

On regular days, your dog might love running freely outdoors, but it’s precarious during cold conditions, so keep them leashed when you’re out for a walk.

Reports show that more animals get lost during winter because the snow can conceal scents that your pet usually uses to find its way home. Put a collar on your furry friend with your contact information so that finders can return it to you if you get separated.

Keeping your dog leashed when on outings also allows you to avoid it walking near icy surfaces. Your canine may hurt itself if the ice breaks and it falls into the freezing water.

Store Away Poisons

Just as your dog might pick up harmful chemicals during walks, there’s also the danger of it ingesting these substances in your home. Be sure to clean up any spills and keep your household cleaners in a safe place.

If you follow these tips, you’ll have a happy, warm, and safe pet at home.