Cold weather can be dangerous for your pet’s health, causing ailments ranging from skin irritations to frostbite. These six tips will help you keep your pet safe and comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops.
1. Use Pet-Safe Antifreeze
Animals are drawn to antifreeze’s sweet scent, but licking even a small puddle can cause kidney failure and death. Replace your antifreeze with a pet-safe version, flush out the old antifreeze first, and wipe up spills and puddles immediately.
2. Pay Extra Attention to Your Pet’s Paws and Pads
Frozen surfaces, rock salt, and ice-melting chemicals can be hard on your pet’s paws. Wipe off your pet’s paws after every walk, and consider petroleum jelly or pet-sized booties for protection. Remove clumps of snow and ice stuck between toes promptly to prevent irritation or frostbite.
3. Limit Outside Time on Freezing Cold Days
Your pet’s natural fur coat may not offer adequate protection on very cold days. If it’s so cold that you don’t want to spend more than a few minutes outside, bring your pet inside. A sweater may be a good idea for short-haired or hairless pets, and old, young, frail, or sick animals.
4. Make Sure Your Pet Wears Tags
Bad weather can complicate a search for a lost pet. A collar with a tag may decrease the time your lost pet spends outdoors. Put an ID tag on your dog or cat even if your pet is microchipped.
5. Protect Your Pet from Indoor Hazards
Place a baby gate enclosure around your fireplace or heater to prevent burns. Keep kerosene heaters away from pets, and consider battery-operated flameless candles, which don’t pose a fire hazard.
6. Don’t Leave Your Pet in a Cold Car
Cold cars are just as dangerous as hot ones, acting as refrigerators. If you’ll be out of the car for more than 10 minutes, bring your pet with you, or better yet, leave it at home.