“It’s important that we pay attention to their changing needs as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can take its toll on them as well as on us,” says Dr. Antje Joslin, DVM, veterinarian at national dog daycare franchise Dogtopia. That’s for the simple reason that frequent bathing exposes your pet to water, which could make the animal colder. It is important to maintain a good grooming regime, combing out knots and brushing the coat thoroughly, through winter too, as matted hair is less efficient at keeping out the snow and cold rain, and does not insulate the dog as well. https://www.furrycreatures.co.in/blog/ Care of our Pets during winter chill. “Space heaters and fireplaces are usually safe around pets as long as you use the commonsense guidelines of not allowing pets direct access to them and providing supervision,” says Dr. Joslin. Well, why not be a proactive pet owner today and invest in a warm shawl or blanket that you’ll use to cover your pet’s cage every winter! Extra nurturing is needed during this period to make sure that your dog doesn’t get sick. When going for walks in the dark with your dog, it’s important to put a light or reflective collar on them. “If want to take your dog for a couple of hours of hiking in cold conditions, be prepared,” Dr. Frank says. These use warming gel packs just like the ones you can keep in your pockets or boots. Also, endeavor to keep all antifreeze out of your pet’s reach. “A lost pet during the holidays is particularly devastating,” says Dr. Joslin. Winter can be a dangerous time for pets if their owners are not properly prepared. There are numerous pet stores where you can shop winter dog shoes, sweaters, fleece, and jackets. Wipe down their paws. “When cats get cold, the body shunts the blood away from peripheral areas—like the ears, the nose, the paws, the tail—to the vital organs, like the kidneys, brain, and heart.” Frostbite makes the skin look pale or grayish, and in extreme cases, it can turn black and peel off. His paws need to be … Many owners are unsure about the best way to keep their pets comfortable in winter. To keep the paw pads from becoming chapped and raw, wipe your pet's feet with a washcloth after bringing indoors. You wouldn't leave your dog, cat, or other furry friend in a … If you haven't built your coop yet, be sure to visit others in your area during winter to see firsthand how the birds take to cooler temperatures. The dog breeds that adjust best to the cooler weather include thicker coat pups like Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds. Credit: Getty Images / olaser . We take pride in exposing the hypocrisy of corporations, other organizations, and individuals whose actions put innocent people in harm’s way. Here are some tips on how you can help keep your four-legged family members comfortable and safe all winter long. – It’s hard enough for us humans to stay warm in when the temperature drops, but we also have to make sure that our pets stay warm and comfortable as well. The longer question and answer is, how well will this keep your cat warm during the winter? For dogs that aren’t indoor house pets—like farm dogs and other working dogs that stay outside for long periods or live in outdoor kennels—Dr. If you live in a cold environment, it’s critical that you learn how to keep your pets warm during the chilly winter months. Never set the temperature below 60o F. Always provide your pet with a soft, warm bed and open the curtains so the sun shines in and gives your pet a place to sunbathe. Next, if your dog is naturally sedentary, you shouldn’t assume your pup is fine if it’s been just sitting around out in the cold for a long time. ... Have cool summers and warm winters for your pet in this amazing bed. 6. If your pet lives outside, you need to take extra measures to make them warm and comfortable. Then, call out to them and wait for them to find you. Pets are the love of your life you do everything to protect them from any type of danger they may fall in. Tip # 4: Keep your pet safe during the holidays. A bird’s body is not well equipped for cold temperatures, even in well-insulated, sheltered areas. Dog shoes protect your dog’s feet from sharp ice, hidden dangers in the snow, and de-icing chemicals that are toxic to pets. “Apparently, the ethylene glycol—the thing that gives it anti-freezing properties—tastes good to dogs and cats,” he says. They’re rich in simple glucose, so they’ll give quick energy to your pup in the snowy woods. Try to keep your cat inside during the winter to minimize his potential exposure to rock salt and other substances. Part of the fun of winter is going outside with dogs, who often love running and playing in the snow. By taking these precautions, both frostbite and hypothermia can be avoided in susceptible pets. “Trees and plants that are popular during the holidays can be toxic to our pets if they are chewed or eaten.” She says that the plants to pay attention to include (but are not limited to) Holly, Mistletoe, Amaryllis, Lilly Cyclamen, Sago Palm, Jerusalem Cherry, Poinsettia, and Christmas trees. The winter season is a harsh period for your dog’s fur. “And make sure it’s brushed several times a week.” If you like to take matters into your own hands, here’s how to groom your dog at home. Dec 16, 2020, 6:13pm EST. Some dogs are simply uncooperative and won’t wear booties. Following are some of the important steps that you can take to make your pet comfortable and healthy during winter. Jill Schildhouse is an award-winning writer based in Phoenix who regularly covers travel, health and wellness, personal finance and e-commerce. And while you’re rethinking their time spent outside, it’s a good time to do an audit of these 10 shockingly common dog dangers in your own backyard. Keep pets sheltered. “In general, signs of hypothermia in dogs are similar to those in people,” he says. by: Staff Writer. Keep your pets inside where they can stay cozy and safe. Don’t Skip Walks and Keep Your Kitty … If his paws are showing signs of cracking, try to keep him on the grass and off public pathways until they have healed. by: Lauren Day. Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur. “Cats will lick that or they’ll walk through it and lick their paws,” he says. These are the best ways to keep your pets safe, warm, and happy this winter. Cat owners who follow Dr. Kornreich’s suggestion and keep their cats indoors year-round can still run into problems if their cats sneak out and aren’t used to being outside. Most of us can attest to the severe cold temperatures and winds that only winter brings, but these conditions can be even worse on your pets. While your pet's natural fur coat may be enough to keep their body warm, sometimes their paws require protection from the ice, snow and chemicals. If you see symptoms of frostbite, contact your veterinarian immediately. While proper grooming is still important, refrain from shaving pets down to the skin during cold months. Keep in mind that there are several benefits to installing a humidifier in your home even if you don’t have pets. Make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm by following these simple guidelines. As the temperature drops, your pet is likely to experience chills. Caring for your pet in the winter is a multi-pronged effort that will require some thought and preparation. Here are some tips from the experts on how to keep your … “They’ll crawl up underneath and kind of hide in there and they can be injured when the engine starts,” Dr. Kornreich says. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Before walks, put … Besides hypothermia, there are numerous other medical conditions triggered by winter, including frostbite and kennel cough. Here are some creative ways to encourage active play indoors. Make sure your pet’s tags and microchips are up to date. Below are some of our favourite tips to help keep your pet safe and warm during winter. But Fido and Fifi are also counting on you to keep them safe this winter. While such breaks are necessary, keep them short. Dogs sweat from their paws, so be sure no ice balls have formed, and make sure no tiny stones are caught inside the bootie. Don’t let them drink water you didn’t bring. “Chocolate, macadamia nuts, and xylitol are all bad for dogs,” Dr. Frank says. Her bylines have appeared in Reader's Digest, The Healthy, Oxygen, AAA, Brides, Vegetarian Times, and Phoenix Home & Garden magazines, among others. You can use a heating pad to apply heat to any arthritic painful areas (hips, stifle and elbows are common in dogs and cats) start with a short walk – even if it’s just to go to the mailbox with your dog, or try a game like the fishing rod with your cat. Don’t miss these other products pet owners say they can’t live without. The winter weather brings along aches, pains, and even seasonal depression for pets and people alike. Winter is almost here and it's important to make sure we know how to keep our pets comfortable and warm during the colder months! “They usually become more sedated, their blood pressure drops down, and they might lose consciousness.”. Under no circumstances should pet cats be left outdoors, even if they roam outside during other seasons. Pets can ingest toxic substances inside the house as well, particularly around the holidays when there’s so much extra food around for people. A cat with hypothermia might seem depressed or anxious and be shivering and crying—and don’t miss these other 14 cat health symptoms you should never ignore. Also, take some time to learn how to solve the most common pet behavioral problems that involve company, like jumping up on your guests and going crazy at the sound of the doorbell. Keep Your Pet Warm. One of the means to keep your pet warm and comfortable during the wet season is to let them inside your house. 5. Following are answers to some of the most often-asked questions about winter … As temperatures plummet to minus zero degrees Celsius and our bodies become numbingly cold, we can only wait in the hope that spring comes soon enough. “They can cope pretty well with cold conditions, especially versus hot ones. They’re at risk if a container is left accessible and open, and also if the chemical spills on the garage floor or driveway, so store it safely away in a container with a lid. “The oils from the tree can irritate their mouths and cause pain and drooling, as well as vomiting. When temperatures drop and snow starts to coat the ground outside, it’s important to adjust your pet’s daily routine so you can keep him happy, safe and comfortable until the buds of spring begin to bloom. Tips on keeping your pet warm and comfortable during and after a winter bath. Pets How To Keep Your Pets Safe During The LI Winter Storm: SPCA The winter storm warning will go into effect on Wednesday. For most house pets, the easiest way to make sure they stay safe during the winter is to keep them inside. After all, proper hygiene is one of the best ways to keep the animal safe from skin infections, right? However, vets advise against bathing your pet more frequently during winter. “That does definitely happen.”. But during the winter, it is mandatory. ‘Tis the season to keep everyone you love warm, which usually means cozy fires and portable heaters. “Make sure that cats don’t have access to table scraps,” he says. Avoid trimming, shaving, or cutting your dog's hair because a dog's full weight coat is his source of warmth during winter. His or her fur acts as a protector from the cold weather meaning it needs to be in quality form. For most house pets, the easiest way to make sure they stay safe during the winter is to keep them inside. In the winter, this of course, allows too much cold air around whatever is underneath your … Learn why cold weather can pose such a problem for pet birds, as well as tips to keep your feathered friend safe, healthy, and comfortable. We’ve listed some of the key tips for keeping your pets warm in winter below. Keeping Your Pet Comfortable In Winter: Bedding. Winter Coats. Exercise. It might seem logical to wrap your outdoor dog (and willing cat) in a thick winter coat or rain slicker, like the Hurtta Rain Blocker dog raincoat, but Dr. Romine suggests you only do so when you’re taking your pals out for supervised playtime or a jaunt through the snow. Pets can get hypothermia or frostbite just like you! No matter how furry they are, they susceptible to fall sick during winters as ourselves. Often placing a winter dog bed or mat inside the kennel will go a long way to keep your pet warm and comfortable. “They might not really completely understand the situation, or might forget they’re outside,” he says. If your furry friend has a thick, heavy coat, they may still feel chilly in the wintertime. So, before winter rolls in, you must take every measure to make this season bearable for your furry or feathery friend. A smart space heater, like this one from Atomi, can be controlled via an app on your phone, so should you ever forget to turn it off before you leave, you’ll be able to do it remotely. Additionally, let the veterinarian know who is watching your pet and if you are authorizing care and financial responsibility in your absence. Look out for these other household items that are seriously hazardous to pets. When you groom your long-haired pet, consider simply trimming its fur (not shaving it down to their skin), to help keep it … Pets burn extra energy trying to stay warm. “You don’t want to let them out in the morning and then leave, and they can’t get back in,” Dr. Kornreich says. His or her fur acts as a protector from the cold weather meaning it needs to be in quality form. Don’t forget about your pets when your house fills with extra people. Groom your dog well. While cold baths may trigger hypothermia, hot baths could also destroy the natural oils in the animal’s coat. “I often see patients who let their dog’s hair grow longer in the winter, but forgot to brush it regularly. How to keep your pets safe during winter storms. To ward off the winter blues for your senior pet, help keep your pet comfortable, mentally stimulated, and physically active. Another danger for outdoor cats is that their water supply becomes unusable. Not all outdoor cats can cope with the cold, and they often seek warmth in car engines. It might take most dogs a couple of days to acclimate to a cold climate, but it can take a month in hot weather.” But he points out that small dogs—particularly toy breeds—and those with short coats, like pointers or vizslas, will be more comfortable wearing an extra layer when they go out for walks in cold temperatures. So, provide more food during the winter. “This is especially true for dogs and cats that suffer from anxiety. That will prevent the chemical from irritating your pet’s skin or throat in the event of exposure. Dr. Frank worries particularly about older dogs that might have some cognitive dysfunction. The best way to tell for sure if a dog is suffering from hypothermia is to take a rectal temperature, which Dr. Frank recognizes most dog owners aren’t going to do. Pledge to keep your pets indoors and safe during the cold winter months! Refrain from shaving your pets during the winter. Make sure you replace your pets water daily and keep the container clean and keep the bowl away from direct sunlight or other heaters. The hair of these breeds needs frequent brushing to keep it from getting matted.”. We have listed below some easy tips to make sure your pet has a comfortable and warm winter… If this is your first winter with your pet, don’t forget about their paws. In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. More nutrient-rich food allows our bunny to keep hot and warm. Their bed will also act as their safe space within the house, so comfort is important. # pet # dog # pets # dogsofinstagram # cute # petsofinstagram # dogs # cat # love # cats # puppy # petstagram # animals # animal # instadog # dogstagram # instagram # doglover # of # catsofinstagram # dogoftheday # doglovers # … The solution is to keep up regular grooming schedules. Depending on your level of activity during the winter, a good pair of boots can prevent cold feet and frostbite. Your deck is approximately 4 feet off the ground. Winter can create some health problems on your dog such as arthritis due to cold weather. Finally, never leave space heaters on or fireplaces burning when you are not home—besides being a fire hazard, there is also the carbon monoxide hazard the could kill a pet. Dr. Frank has one other serious precaution for people who take their dogs out hiking in winter: “All kinds of parasites live in puddles that can give your dogs gastrointestinal upset,” even in cold weather. Antifreeze is a life-threatening toxin to pets, Dr. Kornreich says. Some commercial trees are treated with chemical preservatives that leach into the water at the tree base and make it poisonous to drink. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, listlessness, and lethargy. “For most dogs on a quick five to ten-minute walk around the block don’t need a vest, boots, or any special devices,” he says. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep that is off the floor and away from drafts. “Make sure to use a fireplace screen to keep hot embers in and pets out. To keep them from getting bored, invest in a treat puzzle, like this one from Dogit. "A sweater or coat can be a really nice addition that makes the pet more comfortable," Theisen says. But here’s the thing – if you can manage to keep your pet indoors most of the time during the winter months, you won’t need to bathe him frequently. It’s only when winter sets in that many pet parents embark on frantic searches for the best ways to warm up their pets’ cages. Numerous things can help keep your pet comfortable during winter. 1. 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