Protect your pets during cold weather

We’ve been pretty fortunate to be nearly through November and just a single snowstorm on the books, but that isn’t going to hold for long.

With winter, pet owners need to think about keeping their dogs, cats and other furry family members safe and warm. Just because they sport their own fur coat does not mean they aren’t susceptible to the cold.

Just like people, pets’ tolerance to the cold can vary from pet to pet, based on their coat, their body fat stores and even their overall health.

You may need to shorten the length of their walks or time outside and some pets may even need a sweater or coat made just for them. Shorter pets get colder quicker since their short legs put their entire body closer to the ground and the snow.

Pets should be kept indoors as much as possible during cold weather. Yes, they need to go out on occasion, but in below-freezing weather their time outdoors should be limited.

Do a check on the pads of your pets feet more often during cold months, too. Ice balls can accumulate between their toes and make sure to wash their feet, too, as salt and other chemicals on streets and sidewalks can be dangerous for their sensitive pads.

Your pet will warm up faster if you wipe them down with a towel when they come back inside.

It should be a “no-brainer,” but providing shelter for your pet is a must. If you have to leave your pet outside to go to work, make sure they have a place to go to get out of the cold with solid protection against the wind. Keep their water fresh and unfrozen by changing it often or perhaps invest in a heated bowl.

If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them inside quickly as these are signs of possible hypothermia in animals.

Frostbite on pets is harder to detect, sometimes not being apparent until a few days afterward. If you think there is frostbite involved, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Winter snows can be a lot of fun for your pets, jumping in and running around, but be aware and be that good pet parent.