Keep Pets Safe, Warm, and Happy During the Winter Months

As temperatures decrease, humans often turn to cozy blankets and hot cocoa for comfort. However, it’s important to consider how winter affects pets. While the season holds a certain charm, it also presents unique challenges for furry companions. From the harsh cold to the risk of icy paw pads, winter creates a variety of hazards. To ensure the well-being of pets during this time, it’s vital to enhance pet care practices. This article provides essential seasonal pet care tips, aimed at keeping pets safe, happy, and healthy throughout the winter months. Read on for valuable insights!

Create a Cozy, Draft-Free Shelter

As winter approaches, it’s vital to ensure that pets have access to warm, draft-free shelter. For outdoor animals such as dogs, outdoor cats, and even feral cats, a well-constructed shelter is essential. Key features to include are insulation, elevation, and windproof construction. Providing ample bedding materials, such as cedar shavings or straw, helps to retain the animals’ body heat. A heavy plastic or wooden structure is recommended, with an entrance designed to block out biting winds.

In instances where temperatures drop to extreme cold (single digits or lower), it is important to bring outdoor animals inside. Extended exposure to frigid conditions leads to serious health risks such as frostbite or hypothermia, necessitating immediate veterinary attention.

For pets that stay indoors, ensure their bedding is positioned away from cold floors and drafty areas. Providing a heated pet bed or a cozy blanket near safe heat sources, such as radiators, enhances their comfort, particularly for short-haired dogs or older pets with conditions like arthritis. It’s crucial to keep space heaters out of reach and securely placed to prevent accidents.

Bundle Up for Winter Walks

For dog owners who enjoy outdoor activities, winter walks are still enjoyable, but preparation is key. Cold weather negatively affects a dog’s paws, as rock salt, snow, and ice lead to irritation or injury. Pet booties are an excellent solution, though dogs initially resist them. With a little patience and some treats, most dogs adapt. Additionally, booties help prevent slipping on icy surfaces.

For dogs that prefer to go without booties, applying paw balm before and after walks helps moisturize and protect their paw pads from cracking. After walks, it’s important to wipe down the dog’s paws with a damp towel to eliminate any ice, salt, or chemicals that have accumulated, as ingestion of these substances is harmful.

Keep Pets Hydrated and Well-Fed

Despite the cold, ensuring pets remain hydrated is essential. Always provide access to fresh water, using heated buckets or bowls for outdoor pets to prevent freezing. Indoors, place water bowls in easily accessible areas, and consider incorporating wet food into their diet to aid hydration.

Winter increases the caloric needs of some pets, particularly those spending significant time outdoors who expend extra energy to maintain warmth. It’s essential to provide sufficient food to uphold body temperature while monitoring portion sizes to prevent excess weight gain, especially for indoor pets, which require fewer calories due to decreased activity levels. For personalized dietary recommendations, consulting the pet’s veterinarian is advised.

Watch Out for Cold Weather Hazards

Winter weather brings more than just frosty paws. Hidden dangers are lurking, too. 

Antifreeze Alert: Antifreeze is a deadly poison for pets. Its sweet taste attracts dogs and cats, but even a small amount leads to kidney failure.  “The lethal dose in cats is reported to be around 1 to 1.4 ml/kg of body weight.” (Potter, A., Yeates, J., & Gaines, S., 2015). Store it securely and clean up spills immediately. If ingestion is suspected, call the pet’s vet or an emergency clinic immediately. “Ethylene glycol poisoning in dogs leads to irreversible acute renal failure and other organ damage unless diagnosed early and treated within 8 hours of ingestion,” (Schweighauser, A., & Francey, T., 2016). Antifreeze poisoning in cats is often misdiagnosed and underreported, with a poor prognosis for those that present late after exposure.

Frozen Ponds and Thin Ice: Keep dogs on a leash around bodies of water. A frozen pond looks solid, but it is a dangerous trap.

Warm Vehicle Engines: Outdoor cats and feral cats often seek warmth near (or in) car engines. To avoid accidents, bang on the car hood or honk the horn before starting the engine.

Space Heaters and Fireplaces: While these are cozy for humans, they’re hazards for curious pets. Always supervise pets around these heat sources to prevent burns.

Protect Their Skin and Coat

Winter weather does a number on a pet’s skin and coat. Dry air and cold winds lead to flaking skin or even irritations (Cruz, Á., et al., 2006). Keep a pet’s coat healthy by brushing regularly to remove loose fur and improve air circulation. For pets with short hair, consider a sweater or jacket for outdoor excursions.

Limit baths during winter to avoid stripping their coat of natural oils, and when bathing is necessary, use a moisturizing shampoo. Afterward, towel dry a pet thoroughly and consider a low-heat blow dryer to ensure they’re completely dry before heading outside.

Ensure Paws Stay in Top Shape

Winter terrain is tough on a pet’s foot pads. Rock salt and ice-melting chemicals irritate or even burn paw pads. Opt for pet-safe ice melt around the home, and be vigilant about cleaning the pet’s feet after walks.

Inspect the pet’s paws regularly for cracks or redness, and apply a balm as needed. If pet parents notice signs of frostbite (discoloration, swelling, or extreme sensitivity), consult the pet’s veterinarian immediately.

Warm-Up Tips for Outdoor and Feral Cats

Outdoor cats and feral cats are especially vulnerable to the cold. If a pet parent is looking to help, consider setting up a simple draft-free shelter. Use heavy plastic containers or wooden boxes lined with straw (not blankets, as they trap moisture). Make sure the opening is just big enough for a cat to prevent excess heat loss.

Indoor Fun for the Winter Blues

Winter months often mean less outdoor time, but that doesn’t mean boredom has to set in. Keep pets entertained with indoor activities like:

• Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing games.
• Obstacle courses made with household items.
• Training sessions to learn new tricks.
• Laser pointers or feather toys for cats.

Mental stimulation and physical activity help pets stay happy and healthy, even when the weather outside is frightful.

Monitor Health and Watch for Red Flags

Winter exacerbates health issues, so regular check-ups are a must. Arthritis, dry skin, or kidney disease flare up during the colder months. Keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort, like limping or scratching, and consult a vet if needed.

Prescription medications or supplements like omega-3s support joint and skin health. Heated beds also provide comfort for pets dealing with joint pain.

Stay Vigilant When Temperature Drops

As a general rule, if it’s too cold for humans, it’s probably too cold for pets as well. Short-haired breeds are particularly vulnerable to extreme cold. Even long-haired dogs and cats are monitored closely when outside in freezing temperatures.

Always provide a warm place to retreat indoors, and never leave pets in a car during winter, the cold is just as dangerous as excess heat in summer.

FAQs on Winter Pet Care

How To Tell If It’s Too Cold For A Pet To Be Outside?

If the temperature feels uncomfortable for humans, it’s likely too cold for a pet as well. Watch for signs like shivering, whining, or paw-lifting, which indicate a pet is too cold. Short-haired breeds, senior pets, and small animals are especially vulnerable and never be left outdoors for extended periods.

What To Do If A Pet’s Paws Are Cracked Or Dry?

Use a pet-safe paw balm or moisturizer to soothe and protect cracked paw pads. After walks, clean the pet’s paws with a damp towel to remove irritants like rock salt or chemicals. Regularly applying balm helps prevent further dryness and cracking.

Are Sweaters And Jackets Really Necessary For Pets?

For short-haired dogs or small breeds, sweaters and jackets provide essential warmth during winter walks. Make sure the clothing fits properly, doesn’t restrict movement, and covers key areas like the chest and back to help retain body heat.

How To Keep Outdoor Pets Warm In Extreme Cold?

Provide a solid, insulated shelter that is windproof, elevated, and lined with bedding like straw. Ensure the space is small enough to trap body heat but large enough for a pet to move comfortably. Always bring pets inside during extreme cold or when temperatures drop below freezing.

What To Do If A Pet Eats Something Toxic Like Antifreeze Or Rock Salt?

Antifreeze and certain de-icing salts are highly toxic to pets. If pet parents suspect their pet has ingested a harmful substance, contact the pet’s veterinarian immediately. Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of coordination require urgent attention.

How To Keep A Pet Hydrated In Winter When Water Freezes Outside?

Use heated water bowls or check outdoor water supplies frequently to ensure they don’t freeze. Always provide fresh, unfrozen water for outdoor animals and encourage indoor pets to drink regularly, as indoor heating also causes dehydration.

What Are The Signs That A Pet Has Frostbite Or Hypothermia?

Frostbite often affects the ears, tail, or paw pads and appears as pale, blue, or blackened skin. Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, lethargy, weakness, and a slow heartbeat. If pet parents notice any of these signs, wrap a pet in a warm blanket and contact the pet’s veterinarian immediately.

Staying on Top of Winter Pet Care

Winter pet care necessitates careful attention and proactive measures to ensure the well-being of pets during the colder months. Key components of winter pet care include scheduling regular veterinary visits, making necessary dietary adjustments, and being aware of seasonal hazards that affect pets. By maintaining a well-organized approach, pet owners effectively meet their pets’ needs, leading to a healthier and happier experience for both pets and their owners.

Proper preparation allows pets to enjoy winter activities alongside their humans, whether it involves staying warm indoors or venturing outside to experience the winter landscape. Taking these additional precautions significantly contributes to pet comfort and safety during this season. Ultimately, a little extra effort in winter pet care is rewarded with the joy and affection pets express towards their owners, manifesting in wagging tails and contented purrs.

References

• Cruz, Á., Naclerio, R., Proud, D., & Togias, A. (2006). Epithelial shedding is associated with nasal reactions to cold, dry air. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 117 6, 1351-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JACI.2006.01.054.
• Potter, A., Yeates, J., & Gaines, S. (2015). Diagnosis and reporting of antifreeze poisoning. Veterinary Record, 177, 630 – 630. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.h6831.
• Schweighauser, A., & Francey, T. (2016). Ethylene glycol poisoning in three dogs: Importance of early diagnosis and role of hemodialysis as a treatment option. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde, 158 2, 109-14 . https://doi.org/10.17236/SAT00051.