Pet & Bird Tips

Keep your Pets Healthy and Safe this Winter

As we bundle up to stay warm during the winter months, many of us may forget that our furry friends are susceptible to cold temperatures and wind chills. Below is some important advice to keep you pets healthy and warm during our coldest months. 

Cold temperatures and freezing wind chills can be dangerous and possibly fatal to your dogs and cats. Your best bet is to keep your pet indoors and supervise them when letting them outside. Small dogs, short haired dogs, young dogs and all cats shouldn’t be left outside in the winter.

If you do have an outdoor dog, make sure he/she has adequate shelter for the cold days and nights. Dog houses need to shelter pets from wind, moisture and cold. Raise the dog house a few inches off the ground and insulate it with straw and/or blankets.  Dog houses should be large enough for the dog to be comfortable, but small enough for them to maintain their own body heat.

Dogs require more food than usual during the winter to maintain their own body heat. Keep their water fresh and unfrozen. Avoid metal bowls as your dog’s tongue may become stuck to the bowl.

Winter months are an especially hard time for dogs with arthritis. It is best to keep your dogs comfortable and out of cold weather during these times. Take you dog to the vet if you notice symptoms are getting worse.

Wipe your pet’s feet dry when coming in from outdoors. This removes clumps of snow that can get stuck between their pads as well as salt that may irritate the pads. You’ll want to wipe the salt off before you pets begin to lick their feet.

Antifreeze can be very dangerous and fatal to pets. Be sure to clean up any spills.

Remember, exercise is very important to your pets. Don’t keep them locked up all winter long. Go on walks or play outside for periods that your pet can withstand.