Warming Up for Winter – Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe

Baby, it’s cold outside (or it soon will be)! No doubt you’ve noticed the mercury in the thermometer dropping and felt the need to bundle up in your winter coat already. Chances are your pet has noticed the difference in temperature too. Winter pet care differs from the carefree days of summer, spring and fall. Understanding how to keep your pet comfortable, well groomed and healthy will make managing these colder months a snap for you and your pet.

Outdoor Pets Outdoor pets need a great deal of care and attention in the winter. Remember to never leave your pet outside overnight when temperatures will fall below freezing (32 degrees).  Check out these other often overlooked safety tips.

• Double up on serving size. Outdoor pets need to eat more in the winter months in order to stay healthy. This is because their metabolisms have to work twice as hard to keep warm. You’ll want to offer food more regularly and in greater portions. Also, make sure to check the water supply frequently to ensure it is not frozen.
• Wind Chill Concerns. You’re also going to want to give your dog’s outside home a closer look to make sure it’s winter ready. You should make sure it blocks wind and is not drafty. The inside should have old bankets or other items your pet can use to build a nest. The smaller the house the better, so long as your pet can move comfortably inside. The small size allows your pet’s body heat to insultate the cavern. Finally, try to set the house an inch or two off of the frozen ground, face the opening away from the direction of northern winds and use a heavy plastic to cover the opening.
• Perhaps the greatest danger to outside pets comes from your car. Pets will frequently climb under the hood of your car after it’s been turned off in order to warm themselves by the heat of your engine. Before starting your car, be sure to knock on the hood a few times in order to scare off any potential pets hiding underneath. This will not only save a pet’s life, but also your car’s engine! Additionally, be sure to watch for leaking antifreeze from your car. It tastes sweet to your pet, but it’s a harsh chemical that can kill him if consumed.

Grooming Hints

Just like your skin needs additional hydration in the winter, your pet will need different types of attention and care to stay healthy and well groomed in colder temperatures. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for in your pets physical apperance as winter progresses

• Outside Salt. It’s probably unlikely that you’re thinking about your furry four legged friend when you’re purchasing sidewalk salt. The reality is that you should be looking for a pet friendly version. That’s because the salt can dry out the sensitive pads on your pet’s paws, causing them to split and bleed. Keep your eye out for early signs of irritation like redness or swelling. Avoid this problem by using pet friendly salt and wiping your pets paws down after walks.
• Bathing. Your pooch still needs to be bathed in the winter. Change things up by using a less drying shampoo, and introducing conditioner. Adding a tablespoon of olive, canola, or flax seed oil to the wash can make a big difference in your pet’s comfort level.  If you notice dandruff flakes or increased chewing or scratching of the skin it’s safe to say your pet’s skin is too dry. Remember to completely dry your pet before allowing him back outdoors. Use a blow dryer if necessary.

Walking the Dog

The debate over dog sweaters rages on! Yes, your dog has a fur coat already. But in the coldest of weather that coat may not be enough to keep your dog warm on long walks. While a rhinestone encrusted peat coat with leather trim may defeat the purpose of warmth and comfort, considering a general dog coat rated for snow and ice shouldn’t be ruled out based on fashion alone. An extra layer will also keep falling snow, ice and rain off of your pet’s fur. This keeps your pet dry and much warmer.

You should also pay attention to how you’re dressed before heading out for a walk as well. While you’d never dream of heading out without a coat, you may not realize that you can also over bundle yourself. Make sure you’re not sweating under all your layers as this can be just as dangerous. Aim for leather gloves that break the wind and block moisture, comfortable shoes with good tread, a coat that covers your thighs and cinches at the wrists and a warm hat. Don’t forget to pack water for you and your pet. Staying hydrated is especially important in the winter months.

Of course, if you don’t want to deal with walking your dog in the cold, consider hiring Away Home & Pet Care, a professional pet sitting and dog walking company located in Columbia, South Carolina and Ogden, Utah. You can check out their rates at www.awayhomeandpetcare.com or call (877) 272-4035.