Pets and Winter: 10 Tips for Keeping Them Warm

The article outlines ten practical steps to protect pets in cold weather, such as keeping them indoors when possible and ensuring access to unfrozen water and adequate shelter.

Winter brings lower temperatures and specific risks for animals. Common hazards include hypothermia, frostbite, frozen water, and exposure to chemicals used on ice. The article presents ten straightforward tips intended to reduce those risks and keep pets comfortable. It highlights indoor shelter as the safest option while also offering guidance for animals that must spend time outside. Practical measures: - Keep pets indoors when possible to lower the risk of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia and frostbite. - Provide a sturdy, dry, draft-free outdoor shelter raised off the ground and insulated with straw or shavings if an animal must remain outside. - Ensure regular access to fresh, unfrozen water and consider that animals may need more calories in cold weather. - Protect paws from salt, ice, and de-icers by wiping them after walks, using booties, or applying a protective balm. - Choose ice-melt products labeled pet-safe and secure or clean up antifreeze to avoid toxic exposures. - Prepare a winter pet emergency kit with several days' food and water, medications, records, extra bedding, and familiar items, and check vehicles for animals before starting. Summary: The steps described are intended to reduce cold-related health problems, chemical risk, and stress for pets and outdoor animals. Core precautions include prioritizing indoor shelter, maintaining water access, protecting paws, and using pet-safe de-icing products. The article also mentions preparing an emergency kit and recommends a pre-winter check-up with a veterinarian as a possible follow-up measure.