9 Winter Pet Safety Tips

Whether your pets have been in the family a few days or a few years, we all want to make sure you keep them safe and happy. As the winter months are upon us, the cooler weather presents some new dangers to dogs and cats, so everyone needs to heighten their awareness of their pet's needs.

Now, I know you are all thinking that it doesn't get "cold" here in Florida; cold for us are temperatures in the 40s (and 50s - go ahead and laugh).  But I know many of you live where it gets really cold...with lots of snow...so I thought sharing these Winter Safety Tips was a great idea.

Consider the following 9 tips as you strive to keep your furriest family member out of harm’s way this winter.

INDOOR PETS

The best way to keep pets safe during the winter is to keep them inside in the warmth, particularly if they are either very young or very old. However, the indoors can present its own set of problems to be aware of.

Dangerous Liquids: If your pet spends most of their time inside the garage, make sure liquids such as antifreeze, gasoline and oils are far out of their reach. If you car drips any of these on the floor of the garage, clean it up so your animal does not ingest it. These liquids can be poisonous to animals.

Decorations and Household Items: While decorations for different holidays and the wintertime in general can brighten up a dreary month, some can be hazardous to animals. Holly berries and leaves are poisonous if ingested. Also be sure to put up protection from fireplaces and space heaters, so your pet does not burn themselves.

Daily Walks: Just like kids and adults get cabin fever, pets often feel restless cooped up in the wintery months. Play with your pet often and take them for walks to help them get some exercise and work out some pent up energy. Buy a pet reflective vest if you will be walking in the dark, as the days are shorter in the winter time.

Wipe Them Off: As your pet comes in from outside, wipe off their paws, stomach and any other fur that got wet. This will not only keep your floors clean and dry, it also removes any salt that may have gotten on them and prevent them from accidentally eating it as they clean themselves. Be sure to also check ears and tails for signs of frostbite and call your vet if you find any.

OUTDOOR PETS

Though I know that most of us are Indoor Pets, there are still many families who choose to let their dogs and cats stay outside during the winter. If you or someone you know fit into this category, these safety suggestions are for you!

Courtesy of Golden Woofs: Sugar the Golden Retriever

Build a Shelter: Your pet is still going to need protection from the elements. Build them a draft free shelter, raised a couple of inches above the ground. Use a waterproof or plastic door on the front to help keep heat inside. Check bedding each day, as wet bedding can pose a very serious threat to pets.

Food and Water: As your pet’s body works to keep it warm, it is going to need more food and water than in the warmer months. Make sure they have access to plenty of food and clean, fresh water daily. If you live in an area where the water may freeze, use a heating device, such as a birdbath heater, to help prevent this from happening.

Don’t Shave Them Down: A pet’s coat of fur is meant to protect them from the cold. To help your outdoor pet stay warm, down shave them down all the way so they can keep their layer of insulation.

Under the Hood: Cats and other animals often climb under the hoods of cars to cuddle up to the warm engine. When you turn on your engine, you risk seriously injuring or even killing the animal. Before you start your car, bang on your hood or honk your horn to scare any animals who may have climbed inside.

Clothing: If you choose to put booties or sweaters on your animal to help them stay warm, be careful to keep a close eye on them. A dog or cat who does not like their sweater and may try to remove are in danger of accidentally suffocating themselves. In addition, make sure booties are not too tight, as they can cut off circulation.

Whether your pet is spending more time outside or inside, you will want to be sure to watch for signs of hypothermia. These include, but are not limited to, violent shivering, a weak pulse, lethargy, muscle stiffness, trouble breathing and lack of appetite. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia, do what you can to warm them up and call your vet immediately.

Remember, if you would not want to be outside in that weather, your pet probably does not want to be out there either. Pets are people too, so help them to stay warm and safe this winter.

How do you stay warm and safe during the Winter months?

A special thank you to my dear friend Sugar the Golden Retriever for allowing me to use some of her Winter photos for this post.

Post Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Utah Garage Doors.  I am being compensated for sharing this post but Oz the Terrier only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.