01/09/2025
Brrrr, its cold outside. Temperatures are dropping and winter is officially setting in around here. Here are some winter weather safety tips to keep in mind for all our four-legged friends.
1. For most pets, if it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for them. Keep animals inside as much as possible. When left outdoors in too low of temps, pets can freeze or become disoriented, lost, stolen, or injured. When they are outside, keep them on a leash or in a confined spaced, like a fenced in yard. Dogs can lose their scent in the snow, especially during snowstorms. More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season.
2. Do not leave pets alone in a car during cold temps. We all know better then to leave pets in a car during hot months, but cars during the cold months can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and can cause your pet to freeze as well.
3. Keep pets dry as much as possible, towel dry them when coming in from outside Repeatedly going into the cold and then back into the warm can cause dry, itchy, flaking skin. Pay special attention to the foot pads and between their toes for crack, skin irritation or snowballs stuck in there and sure to clean off any salt residue on their paw pads after walks.
4. Bathe pets as little as possible during the cold months. Washing too often can also increase their chance of dry, flaky skin. Stretch baths as far as possible and try to use a moisturizing pet shampoo.
5. Beware cold weather chemicals. Things like antifreeze and ice melts can be dangerous when ingested, keep them out of pets reach and thoroughly clean up any spills. Consider finding pet safe products.
Keep these tips in mind this winter so that you and your pets stay cozy and safe.
