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Winter is the perfect season to cuddle with your pet and keep each other warm. As long as you both stay inside, you can spend some cozy time together. However, if you want or need to take a walk with them, the increasingly cold weather can expose them to a variety of possible risks. The colder it gets, the more harmful the below-freezing temperatures and chill wind become, to the point it can even be fatal. Therefore, it's crucial to take extra safety measures to protect your four-legged friends this winter. With the shorter days and colder nights upon us, we want to share with you some tips to keep your pets safe and warm this winter.
Here are a few suggestions you can follow in order to make sure your pets don’t get too cold this winter season.
There are sweaters, coats, and tiny booties available during the colder months for dogs and cats with shorter coats that can help them stay warm. Just make sure you have a couple on hand so you can replace them with a dry one if they get wet, or the weather gets too humid.
While playing outside for a little while and going to the bathroom is mostly okay, leaving pets outside in frigid weather, especially unsupervised, is not advised. Even though we don't advise leaving any dogs or cats outside for extended periods of time, if it's completely unavoidable for your pet to be outside, be sure to give them a warm, proper shelter. Any shelter should have a floor covered in thick bedding, sturdy walls, and a roof, since they will need protection from the wind, rain, and cold.
When going outside with your pets during the winter, make sure to keep your outings as short as possible. Your pet should be protected from the elements by their thick winter coat, but they may still be vulnerable to the cold. Every time the two of you walk outside, make sure you have the right gear for them and are prepared. Additionally, Dr. Nicole recommends making sure your pet is adequately identified on their collar or chip, and leashed, particularly if there is snow on the ground. All the details about your pet should be current and easy to read.
Most people don’t know this, but antifreeze is very poisonous to animals! If they were to ingest it, it could result in deadly renal failure. Even in small doses, antifreeze can be lethal. Take into consideration that this liquid is highly pleasant to dogs and cats, who will readily consume it if given the chance. If you notice your pet drinking antifreeze or believe it may have gotten access to it, call Onalaska Animal Hospital immediately.
When was the last time you took your pet to the vet for a wellness checkup? If you can’t remember, it’s time to bring them to Onalaska Animal Hospital. Some medical issues can deteriorate further with the cold, so don’t wait until you can tell they’re sick. Remember prevention is the best way to fight any illness! A veterinarian should check on your pet at least once a year, and now is as good a time as any to do so, particularly if you want to ensure that your furry friend is as ready and as healthy as possible for the upcoming winter season.
Our four-legged companions rely on us to take care of them when they need special care. In the chilly winter months, it's up to you to keep them comfortable and safe at all times. If you want to make an appointment or have a question regarding your pet's health, get in touch with Onalaska Animal Hospital today. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.
