6 Tips to Take Care of Your Pet in Winter

As the days get colder and shorter, it’s vital to give your pets some extra attention. Although some of our furry friends love playing in the snow, others would much rather spend their time in a warm bed. Regardless of what your pet enjoys, you can follow these six tips to ensure they live their best life all winter long.

Check Their Diet

If you have an active pet, you need to ensure that you’re feeding them adequately during these cold months. It’s crucial that your furry friend receives enough food to keep them warm and full of energy.

On the other hand, animals that tend to hibernate and sleep more in winter should receive fewer calories to prevent them from putting on the pounds. Pay attention to your dog or cat’s habits, and plan around them accordingly.

Keep Them Inside

During summer, many pets spend most of their time outdoors, and it’s not uncommon for them to sleep outside either. However, when the temperature drops, your animals must have a warm place to call home. 

Whether that means bringing them inside your house or setting them up with some furry friends gear, it’s imperative that your pet has a warm and dry shelter with plenty of fresh water and food.

Dress Them in Warm Clothes

Different breeds are more susceptible to the cold than others. For instance, short-haired dogs can feel the chill much quicker than fluffy pups, while young and old canines should always receive extra attention during winter.

If your four-legged friend enjoys being outside, you can dress them in warm clothes like a coat or a sweater. This way, it prevents them from being exposed to hypothermia or frostbite. Remember the golden rule: if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.

It is also wise to consider getting pet insurance. There is plenty of options available, and there is affordable pet insurance offered by companies, such as Bivvy. In the event of an emergency, is better to be safe than sorry and make sure that our pets are protected.

Check Your Car

Car safety is paramount during the cold winter months, so make sure you examine your surroundings before driving. Cats tend to seek warmth next to engines, and if you start your vehicle without any checks, you can injure or even kill any animals inside or close to your car.

Every time you want to drive, bang on the hood or honk the horn to alert stray cats. This way, they can wake up and make an escape before you start your car.

Watch Out for De-Icers

If you live in a place that regularly experiences snowy conditions, you’ve likely purchased commercial de-icers to clear your driveway and sidewalk. This decision is perfectly alright, but you have to ensure you get a pet-safe brand.

Otherwise, your dog or cat can ingest the harmful toxins or step into them, which irritates their paws. Additionally, when you go for walks, try to avoid other people’s driveways, or use doggie booties to protect your furry friend.

Keep Them Hydrated

In cold weather, our skin often gets raw and dry, and our pets experience the same. To prevent this, you can use humidifiers, give them plenty of drinking water, or purchase a skin supplement. This way, your pet can have an itch-free winter season.

Closing Thoughts

Similar to us, our furry friends often need extra attention during the winter season. If the weather outside is frightful, you can keep your pet risk-free by bringing them inside, keeping them hydrated, and dressing them warmly.

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