Winter wonderland for your pets

​With the cold weather approaching you want to make sure your furry friends are safe and properly cared for. Winter time can be very stressful for all animals, whether they live indoors or outdoors.  Remember that the winter weather affects animals in many different ways. The following are a few tips to help your pets stay happy and healthy this winter.

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Baby It's Cold Outside
As the temperature starts to drop, and the snow and freezing rain arrives, we have some nifty pet practices that are sure to help keep those furry friends healthy.  Please make sure that your pets are safely indoors during the harsh weather, and those animals that live outdoors have a safe and warm covered place to protect them from the elements. For those dogs that are living outside, a four-sided house with a flap over the door and plenty of hay/straw as bedding to stay warm will do.
For happy house pets that are living indoors, remember they do need to be warm while outside for walks and play.  Some thin coat dogs could use a fashionable sweater or jacket to help keep their bodies warm.  Also with the shorter days, you can keep them safe by putting a reflective vest on your pet during early mornings and evenings.  

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​For Pawrific Time of Year
When walking during the winter months, remember that street salt is a dog’s worst enemy and can cause drying out and cracking of their paw pads.  Dogs' paws should be wiped down and cleaned of all salt after every walk. You can even buy winter boots for your dog!

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Dashing Through the Snow
During winter there is ice on the road, and salt or other de-icing chemicals may be used. These chemicals are a hazardous to pets, so never let your pet drink from roadside puddles, and make sure you rinse and dry feet and other body parts when you return from outside.  

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Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
 
Fall and winter is also the beginning of hunting season!  With so many beautiful walking trails passing through scenic woodlands, you are going to run into many hunters. Having your dog dressed with a fashionable reflective vest during these seasons, hunters will be able to identify the difference between Bambi and your pet while out on that stroll.

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The Hounds of Winter

Winter Quick Tips:
 

1.      Leash dogs while walking near frozen ponds and lakes to keep pets               from falling through ice.
2.      Keep them leashed at all times to keep your pet from getting lost in a storm.
3.      Create a draft free shelter for pets left outside.
4.      If it is too cold for you to stand outside, it is probably too cold for your pet.
5.      When cutting your pet's hair during winter, leave it a little longer to help with insulating them.
   
6.      Pay attention to cold weather warnings and if there is a bad storm and you need to stay home for a        couple of days, make sure you have adequate supplies for yourself and your animals.

 

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