Pets are an integral part of around 90.5 million American homes, with the majority going to great lengths to ensure their pets are well-fed and physically and mentally stimulated. With winter temperatures dropping to zero or below-zero in some states, many pet owners are currently focused on one target: ensuring their pets are warm and comfortable. If you are one of them, keep the following tips in mind, so your pet is as happy in the winter as he is in the spring or summer.
Visiting Your Veterinarian In The Fall
A key measure when it comes to ensuring your pet’s wellbeing in cooler seasons is to visit your veterinarian before the temperatures drop to a minimum. This is especially true if your pet has a heart condition or other health issues that can be negatively impacted by the winter. Diseases like diabetes, for instance, impede your pet’s ability to self-regulate its temperature. Cold weather can also exacerbate pain for pets with arthritis and painful joints, so make sure your pet has any treatment or therapy that can help.
Chipping And Tag Your Pet
If you live in a snowy area, make sure to walk your dog on a leash. If you lave him off-leash, snow and fog can wrest from visibility and cause your dog to become disoriented or confused. Leave outdoor off-leash days for those in which visibility is optimal, or snow levels are low. Of course, there is a small chance that pets can sometimes leave the house on their own, making a quick getaway when nobody is noticing. By microchipping and tagging your pet with a tag that indicates your phone number, you can greatly increase the chances of a kind passer-by calling you, so you can pick up a lost pooch or kitty.
Investing In Warm Clothing
Your pets still need exercise in the winter, though the general rule of thumb when it comes to dog walks is — if it is too cold outside for you, chances are, it is too cold for your pets. On sunny, pleasant days that are still a little nippy, equip your dog with a good coat and (if you live in a snowy or icy area) dog boots. It may take time for your dog to get used to walking with boots, but this accessory helps snow and ice from getting trapped between your dog’s paws. Trimming the hair on your dog’s paws will also help keep snow and ice at bay. Finally, a good paw balm keep your pet’s paws stay soft and hydrated throughout the winter.
Warm Bedding Is Key
When the cold weather hits, consider giving your pets’ bedding a seasonal change. Both dogs and cats love snuggling in cave and igloo style beds, which give them an extra level of warmth. For something really lovely and luxurious, look into purchasing a self-warming pet bed, with has heat-reflecting layers that radiate the warmth from your pet’s body right back at him. Another good choice is an electric bed, which has enclosed heating elements that warm up your pet’s bed when you plug it into a wall outlet. Some models have pre-determined temperature settings, while others have personalized settings.
Winter is one of the best seasons to spend time indoors with your pets. Make sure they are comfortable by investing in clothing, blankets, and beds. Make sure to chip and tag your pet, and pay a visit to the vet, so your pets can receive any treatment or therapy they need.
