Quick Tips To Keep Your Pet Warm

As the temperature steadily drops, pet parents should increase efforts to keep their furry friends warm and comfy. Prioritizing pet health is a must and having your pet undergo a preventive care or wellness exam should be high on your list. This is especially important for pets that have medical conditions like arthritis that worsen during cold temperatures. Take a look at more quick tips that will keep your pet warm and healthy during colder weather:

• Not all pets are alike: their tolerance to the cold temperature depends on their body fat level, coat, general activity level and overall health.
• There’s a widespread belief that dogs and cats are fine in cold weather because of their thick fur. This is very untrue and quite harmful to our pets! These animals, furry or not, are likely to catch hypothermia and frostbite, just like people do.
• Animals with hormonal imbalances, diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease tend to have a more difficult time regulating their internal body temperature. Pet parents should be more attentive in these cases since these pets are more likely to have complications due to the temperature.
• Do your pets have shorter coats? Pet sweaters and coats are always handy. Make sure that they’re dry before you use them; wet sweaters will just make them feel colder!
• Check your pet’s paws. Cracked or bleeding paws and pads are common during winter. Ice can be stuck on their paws, so make sure to clip the hair between their toes!
• As much as possible, leave your pets at home. It’s not safe to keep them in cars during winter because the temperature drops very quickly, even if you’re only away for a few minutes.
• After walks, don’t forget to wipe down your dog’s legs, paws and belly, since they might have picked up de-icers, anti-freeze or other dangerous chemicals outside.
• Active pets need more calories during colder months in order to create sufficient energy and body heat to stay warm. Check with your vet about your pet’s health needs in the winter!
• Keep your pet in shape! Extra weight might mean a little more protection from the temperature, but the risk to their health outweighs the possible benefits. Schedule a service with your favorite dog walker for days when you’re at work!