January 26, 2023 — It’s easy to forget that despite their built-in fur coat, dogs and cats are vulnerable to cold weather just like people. Each dog and cat is an individual too, with differences in their abilities to tolerate cold weather that are influenced by breed, age and health. A few commonsense precautions can prevent serious injuries or harm to your furry friend.
Keep the following tips in mind when cold weather strikes:
- Leave your pet inside, or limit their time outdoors, when the weather gets cold. A good rule of thumb is that if it is too cold for people, it’s too cold for your pet.
- If your dog has short fur, they may need a dog coat to keep them warm. Find one that fits properly and is washable.
- Make sure to wipe your pet’s feet immediately when they come inside to remove salt, de-icers, antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals, before they can ingest them.
- Just as keeping your pet in the car in the summer can lead to hyperthermia, the same is true of a cold car. Cars rapidly lose heat in the winter and can become dangerously cold for pets quickly.
- Consider booties for your dog when they go outside in cold weather – but make sure they fit properly!
Most importantly, enjoy some extra snuggles under a cozy blanket when everyone is safely back inside!