As winter creeps into the North Bay, protecting your pets from the weather is crucial. November is when temperatures start dropping into the freezing-cold category and snow blankets the bay. 

The cold weather can pose various risks to your furry friends, including frostbite and hypothermia. But never fear! The team at Parkside Animal Hospital has winter pet care tips to help keep your pets safe and comfortable.

4 Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips

1. Limit Outdoor Time

One of the most important cold-weather pet safety tips is to put limits on how much time your pet spends outside. While some pets enjoy playing in the snow, spending too much time outside increases your pet’s risk of frostbite and hypothermia. 

Short walks around the block are better than long outings in below-freezing temps. Pay close attention to your pet’s behavior, too. If she starts shivering or lifting her paws off the ground, she’s too cold. It’s time to head back indoors.

2. Protect Paws from the Cold

Your pet’s paws are particularly vulnerable to the cold. If the ground feels cold to your hands, it feels cold to their paws. Snow, ice, and salt on sidewalks can irritate or even injure your pet’s sensitive feet.

If you want to take Fido out for a ski or snowshoe session, consider using pet booties to protect his paws. This is our biggest tip for protecting pets from frostbite! You can also apply a paw balm before and after walks to keep his pads moisturized—and shield them from the elements.

Be sure to wipe those sweet paws thoroughly to remove any salt or chemicals when you get back home!

3. Dress for the Weather

Not all pets have thick fur coats that can stand up to the cold. Short-haired breeds, puppies, and elderly pets are more susceptible to chilly temps. Consider dressing your pet in a warm, well-fitting coat or sweater to help him hang on to that body heat during outdoor activities.

Make sure the clothing isn’t too tight or restrictive, though. The sweater might take some getting used to, but it should be comfortable for Fido or Kitty to wear.

4. Keep it Warm and Cozy Indoors

When it’s cold outside, your pets will need a cozy, warm space inside to rest and relax. If your dog sleeps in a bed by a door or window in the summer, find a spot away from doors and windows in the winter so she isn’t hit with a frigid draft.

Also, keep in mind that some pets get the shivers more quickly than others. If your pet is extra sensitive to the cold, provide her with a heating pad or thick blanket for more warmth.

Finally, you might want to use a humidifier to make sure the air inside doesn’t dry out too much. Winter is already a dry season, and when combined with the forced air from your heating system, the dryness can get even worse. Many pets struggle with skin and respiratory issues when the air is too dry.

A Hygge Winter

When you’re prepared to help your pets enjoy the winter while also staying warm, you’re setting yourself up for the ultimate, cozy, relaxing winter season. If you want to learn more about how to prepare pets for winter, our team at Parkside Animal Hospital can help. Call us today at (705) 223‑3404 to set up an appointment!