Top Tips to Protect Your Pets this Winter

This winter, make sure that you take care of your best friend because they need your help!

Keep pets indoors

The best way to respond to winter's woes for your pets is to keep them inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

Don't leave any of your pets outdoors when the temperature drops. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater as well. No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps that humans aren't normally concerned with. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage so make sure that you prep your pet before taking them out and then having a safe heater for them to curl up next to when they get home!

Take precautions if your pet spends a lot of time outside

A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors with sufficient heat. If for some reason your dog is outdoors a good amount during the day, they need to be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. Also, if you can run some sort of electrical out to that shelter, it will be very important to use an Envi Heater to keep them safe and warm! The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw to avoid things getting to damp. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic as well.

Give your pets plenty of food and water

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Be careful with cats, wildlife and cars

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Protect paws from salt

The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.

Avoid antifreeze poisoning

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family.

Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold

If you encounter a pet left in the cold, politely let the owner know you're concerned. If they don't respond well, document what you see: the date, time, exact location and type of animal, plus as many details as possible. Video and photographic documentation (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case. Then contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office and present your evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied.