Hey Baby It’s Cold Outside: 10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Warm in Winter

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If you live in the Northeast and other cold climes, you know that winter is here, and so do your pets. Although they have natural coats that doesn’t mean you can leave them outside, or in your car. While dog houses help, and the smaller the better so as to trap the heat, they aren’t the answer during severe weather conditions, so bring your do in the house, out of the elements. Remember the best among us know that our critters are part of our family, so treat them as such. Here are some tips for keeping your pets warm and safe during the winter:

catsindoors
Photo credit: iWitness contributor Hope Pelch-Wilson

Keep Your Cat Inside

During any time of the year, cats who are allowed to stray can become lost or stolen, injured or killed. They can also be exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife. During the winter, an outdoor cat might not want to come inside but can freeze if the temperature drops too low.

Photo credit: iWitness contributor TISDALE40
Photo credit: iWitness contributor TISDALE40

Check Around the Car for Outdoor Cats

You know how warm your car is after you turn it off? During the winter, outdoor cats will sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth. Once the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

dogonleash
Photo credit: iWitness contributor Carrie Griffin Tuttle

 

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

Did you know that more dogs are lost during the winter than any other season? Dogs can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost. You should never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. It is also a good idea to make sure your pet is wearing ID tags in case you do become separated.

Photo credit: iWitness contributor Carrie Griffin Tuttle
Photo credit: iWitness contributor Carrie Griffin Tuttle

Wipe Away the Cold

After you dog comes in from the snow, sleet, or ice, be sure to thoroughly wipe off his legs, paws, stomach, and anywhere else the came in contact with the cold stuff. Paw pads are particularly sensitive to the elements and can become dry, cracked, and bleed from exposure to the snow and ice. Dogs can also pick up salt, antifreeze, or other potentially dangerous chemicals while outside–wiping him down can help prevent accidental ingestion.

dogcoat
Photo credit: iWitness contributor jbrad

Bundle Them Up

You probably wouldn’t go outside in the cold without a coat, so why would you let your dog? If normally shave your dog’s coat down to the skin, avoid doing this during the winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. Short-haired breeds will greatly benefit from a coat or sweater; it is best for them to be covered with a high collar or turtleneck and all the way to the base of the tail and the belly. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.

catcar
Photo credit: iWitness contributor AWilkes

Don’t Leave Them in the Car

Most people know not to leave their dog or cat alone in the car during the summer, but did you know that it is just as dangerous for them during the winter? A hot car is to an oven as a cold car is to a refrigerator, and you wouldn’t put your cat in the refrigerator! Cars hold in the cold during the winter and can cause an animal to freeze to death.

indoortrain
Photo credit: iWitness contributor Michelle Barton Oestreich

Keep Puppies Inside

Housebreaking is puppy is a difficult feat made even more stressful in the winter. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and it may be difficult to housebreak them during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may choose to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

food

Increase Their Food Supply

If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, you will need to increase his supply of food, particularly protein. This will keep him, and his fur, in top shape.

danger
Photo credit: Flickr user emdot

Check for Dangerous Materials Around the Car

Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats and any spills should be cleaned up thoroughly. You should also consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. For more information, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Photo credit: iWitness contributor Suzy Maymi
Photo credit: iWitness contributor Suzy Maymi

Give Them a Cozy Bed

Before you settle in for a warm winter’s nap, make sure your pet also has a warm place to sleep, preferably off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect. A cuddle toy is optional.

For more tips on how to care for your pet, please visit aspca.org.

Many thanks to Weather.com for their story contributions.

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About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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