Keeping Your Dog Or Cat Safe During Winter

Winter is here and your dog or cat can be subjected to freezing temperatures which can bring about health issues and possibly cause death. Safety during this time of year is very important.

Are you providing adequate shelter for your pet during this time of extreme weather? Are you making sure they have enough food for high caloric demand or enough water to drink? Without these during frigid temperatures, you may come to find your pet will not survive.

Winter time is a magical time of year for having fun in the snow with family and friends. Pets also have great fun playing and enjoying time in the snow with their family members. Certain breeds are acclimated to freezing temperatures and seem to be impervious to severe cold. However, it is very important that pets aren't allowed to overdo, just like people. They too must be kept warm and safe from the harsh cold. Key factors to never ignore are simply treat them as you would treat yourself and you all can enjoy a great time in your winter wonderland.

Keeping Your Dog Warm

As an Artic blast consumes the upper 48 states, this is a time to be particularly careful when it comes to keeping our pets alive during such extreme cold. Shifting weather patterns creating temperatures reaching subzero are very dangerous for man and pets alike. Unfortunately, many seem to overlook their dog which may reside in the backyard.

Typically a dog house will do the trick for a heavy coated breed, however, not during extreme weather. They will be extremely uncomfortable during stints of frigid temperatures, especially if their calories are not increased or they are not provided an endless source of water. Eating snow will not provide sufficient water for your pet. It is imperative that a viable source of warmed water be provided at all times. And of course leaving your pet to sleep or be exposed to the open elements is nothing short of torture and abuse.

And of course there are the dogs that have short coats all year round and may or may not grow a sufficient undercoat. For a short list of dog breeds that absolutely will freeze to death during weather extremes, follow this link.

Keeping your dog warm is a simple task and should become priority over and above anything else as a responsible pet owner.

Keeping Your Cat Warm And Safe

Cats should be brought inside at all costs during these severe temperatures unless you wish for them to seek their own warmth which could lead to an early demise. Climbing up into an engine block of a car seeking warmth, only to be maimed or killed by the fan belt if the car is started by an unsuspecting driver. This a sure fire way for this to happen.

Although a thick, fluffy coat may seem to do the trick, it also can get wet and snowballs can form on the coat creating a matting effect which in turn allows for the skin to chill and your cat can no longer keep his or her core temperature stable.

Winter Death Does Not Discriminate

Whether you own a dog or cat it really doesn't matter...what is important is the animals must be provided with over and above the normal care you may provide during lesser extremes of weather. Animals can suffer from hypothermia just like we can. Heated dog bowls for water work well but the shelter is still imperative to providing a source of heat. Insulated dog houses also will not be sufficient. There must be a heat source provided such as heat lamps or piles of dry straw scattered within the shelter. Making sure the wind is also blocked from getting inside the shelter. Or better yet bring the dog or cat into the garage if they simply are not allowed to be in with the family. An insulated garage is better than nothing. And provide a soft spot to sleep, not on the concrete floor since this will not provide adequate warmth for your pet.

For those who live on a farm or ranch, then your dog or cat will probably do fine within the confines of the barn which usually as a huge supply of straw for your pet to scrunch into for insulated warmth.

Although warming themselves next to the fireplace along with their family is the best alternative. Our pets enjoy another log thrown on the fire as well. Oh how that warmth seeps into their little bodies. Yawn...stretch...purr!

Litter boxes are ideal for these days of frigid weather and a dog can take a potty break and be brought back inside immediately after. Short bursts outside for your dog are fine. Just don't leave them outside for too long. It doesn't take long for the weather to effect a short coated breed. Also remember a dog crate is the perfect way to allow your dog inside for warmth, and confines them safely within your home.

Watch Out For The Ice Pond

Always make sure that waterways and ponds are safe to walk on before venturing out onto them. Again an unattended pet may unwittingly fall through the ice, and with no one there to hear them or pull them out, your pet may only be able to last 30 minutes in the water before they freeze and then drown. Keep your dog with you or on a leash at all times when venturing out near waterways. That lead may very well become yours or their lifeline.

The Senior Pet

An elderly pet without a doubt must be inside...period! These poor animals don't have the body fat from their youth to support energy levels or supplement their caloric burn for keeping warm.

Plus they also suffer from arthritis typically, and this can make their symptoms much worse. Slipping and falling can cause injury and in some cases your pet may not be able to get back up, but will continually slip and fall not being able to regain their footing. This will not only scare your pet, but will create levels of anxiety and confusion.

Monitor your elderly pet when taking them out for a potty break so you may be there in the event of a fall. And if possible for the smaller dog, carry them to the location to avoid slipping on patios or walkways. Your pet will have better footing in snow rather than on icy areas.

Winter Time Is Also A Fun Time

For many, this time of year is the best, especially if they own breeds that love to pull sleds or skiers as a winter past time. These dogs are resilient and have the winter coats to match. Dog booties or mukluks are great at preventing the tiny snowballs between the toes which can cause pain or discomfort.

If you just love being out in the snow with your family pet then by all means have at it. There are some great dog coats for the short coated breeds so they can enjoy the winter wonderland with their families. They will insulate and keep your pet dry from the heavy snowfall.

So be safe this winter not only for your sake but for your pets!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Future Articles will be on Hiatus until after the New Year! Cheers!