My dog, Zoey, isn’t a big fan of cold weather. She’ll go outside if she needs to, or if she gets to wear a cozy sweater, but otherwise, no way.
The winter brings new challenges for dogs and cats, like chapped paws and sneaky snow piles. Still, some pets love to frolic in the ice and snow, eagerly awaiting Jack Frost nipping at their noses. Either way, happy and healthy pets are always a number one priority.
I’ve spent the last five years writing about pet-related topics, including numerous pieces on staying safe in winter. This list features advice that has turned up again and again during my research. Therefore, no matter what your fur baby’s preferences are, use these 12 tips to keep your pet happy in cold weather.
1. Keep Your Pet Indoors
When it’s dangerously cold, the best thing you can do is keep your pet indoors. Keep in mind that pets used to staying outdoors could find their new indoor environment challenging.
My cat lived outside for the first ten years or so of her life. We transitioned her into being an indoor cat when she got older, and there was certainly an adjustment period.
Start by limiting the area your pet has access to and take precautions to pet-proof your home. Provide your furry friend a place that’s their zone so they feel safe and secure.
2. Provide Your Pet With a Cozy Outdoor Shelter
The general rule is that if it’s too cold for you outside, it’s too cold for your pet. However, what about when the weather isn’t in the danger zone, say it’s simply a nippy 50 degrees?
If you leave your dog or cat outside, provide them with adequate shelter. Set up cozy, warm bedding inside a covered spot free from any drafts.
Since cold weather poses many risks to pets, stay vigilant. Bring your pet inside if conditions deteriorate. Also, remember that it’s typical for temperatures to fall overnight and the cold affects certain breeds and elderly pets more intensely.
3. Don’t Forget to Maintain a Fresh Water Supply to Your Pet
The colder temperatures can trick you into thinking you don’t need as much water as you do when it’s warm outside. You’re not as active, not sweating, and don’t feel hot, so you don’t think about drinking.
However, it’s precisely these reasons, among others like drier air and using heaters, that lead to pets becoming dehydrated in winter. Therefore, always make sure your pet has access to fresh water, whether they’re outside or inside, and change the water frequently.
4. Get Your Pet Some Booties
We don’t get a lot of snow and ice in New Orleans (pretty much none). Consequently, our pup’s experience with booties is more thanks to protection from sweltering sidewalks.
However, the concept is the same no matter the weather — booties protect your pet’s paws from extreme temperatures. Plus, they keep potentially toxic winter chemicals (anti-freeze, snow melts, deicers, etc.) from irritating your pet’s feet. Booties also prevent your fur baby from ingesting these dangerous products when they lick their paws.
5. Use a Paw Balm
If you notice your dog or cat’s paw pads becoming cracked or dry, then it’s safe to assume your pal isn’t feeling very happy. Dry, cold, harsh weather and exposure to various chemicals could lead to chapped, cracked paw pads that are uncomfortable and painful.
Apply a paw balm to moisturize your pet’s paws and give them much-needed relief. Many balms also provide a barrier against the cold and other unfavorable conditions.
6. Stay Alert for Antifreeze
Antifreeze is extremely dangerous for pets. In addition to its toxicity, what makes this common winter chemical so hazardous is its high level of appeal. Antifreeze has a sweet smell that attracts dogs and cats, enticing them to consume it.
Keep antifreeze out of reach and closed tightly. Be aware of spills and leaks on sidewalks, driveways, and garage floors, and clean them up immediately.
Also, many deicers include antifreeze in the ingredients, so stay alert when outside with your pet. Clean their paws after being outdoors, and don’t let them walk or lick puddles that could contain antifreeze run-off.
7. Don’t Leave Your Pet in the Car
Just like you shouldn’t leave your pet unattended in a hot vehicle, the same goes for cold weather. Except for when they’re running with the heater on, cars don’t provide much protection from freezing temperatures.
Unfortunately, some people think there’s no danger if it isn’t hot outside. They don’t see an issue with leaving their pet in the car while they pop into the grocery for 20 minutes. However, pets left inside a cold car with no heat could develop hypothermia, leading to severe consequences.
8. Keep Up With Regular Grooming
Some people assume the thicker and longer their pet’s coat in the winter, the better. But this isn’t the case. Stay on top of your pet’s grooming schedule. Proper grooming protects your pet from several wintertime issues.
Regular trims and brushing keep your pet’s coat in good condition, enabling it to do its job as an insulator and warm your pet.
Moisturizing shampoos help relieve dry skin. Clean ears mean less risk of moisture buildup and infection. Trimming hair around the paw pads fends off frostbite because it prevents snow and ice from accumulating.
9. Boost Playtime and Exercise Sessions
I see a big difference in my dog between the days we get to take our usual long walk and the days we don’t. Pets are very much like kids when it comes to needing opportunities to expend energy. Trust me, I taught preschool for 14 years, and rainy days were wild when we couldn’t get outside for recess.
Give your pet ample chances to play and exercise so they stay healthy and active throughout the cold weather months.
10. Keep Your Pet Dry
After being out and about in the snow, make sure to dry your pet thoroughly. Wet fur is more prone to matting, and damp skin leads to possible fungal infections and other ailments.
Ear infections are another hazard of too much moisture. Leaving your pet wet could also lead to possible illnesses like pneumonia.
11. Use Caution With Space Heaters and Humidifiers
It’s common to use humidifiers and space heaters when the weather’s colder and the air gets drier. But heaters cause nasty burns if your pet gets too close or an electrical shock if a curious pet chews on a cord.
Warm-water humidifiers also may burn your pet if your furry friend knocks them over. Opt for cool-mist models instead. Any time you use these devices, keep them out of your pet’s reach and make sure they’re secure.
12. Steer Clear of Ice and Deep Snow
We don’t have deep ice and snow in New Orleans, but we have plenty of experience with flooding. The frequent warning is to avoid flooded roadways because there’s no way of knowing how deep the water goes.
During a recent storm, a man in a large truck decided to risk it. The next thing you know, the truck went halfway underwater (luckily, he was rescued).
The same thing applies to snow drifts. You can’t tell how deep they are, so keep your pets away. Also, stay alert when your pet is on frozen lakes to avoid an unfortunate accident.
