While the Christmas holiday may be over, the worst of winter still isn’t behind us; and for those living in Canada and its Atlantic provinces; you might be in for a few blizzards before the season officially ends. Because of this, making sure you as well as your furry friends are safe during the Winter season is still important. So, in today’s article, we’ll be covering our top safety tips for taking care of your pet during the Winter season and how to keep them safe from the harsh elements of the outdoors and other risks. Let’s get to it!
Avoid Cold Cars
Much like how you wouldn’t leave a pet in a warm vehicle in the Summer, you’d also want to avoid leaving a cat or dog alone inside of a cold car. This is because vehicles often hold in cold temperatures, which can cause frostbite or even death if your pet is left inside the vehicle.
Keep Pets Warm
If you find it’s too cold for you to stay outside, then it’s too cold for your pets as well. While some breeds are able to handle cooler temperatures, supplying adequate housing for your pets during the winter months is a necessary step for their safety.
Don’t Allow your Pets to Drink from Puddles
While you might be tempted to allow your dog to drink from a puddle of melted snow, this is discouraged; especially in a larger city. This is because the ice may have melted through the use of antifreeze, which can be fatal if ingested by a dog or similar small animal.
Keep Pets Away from Water
While your furry friend might get the urge to explore large bodies of water or local lakes, it’s recommended to keep both them and yourself off the ice. This is because in the later seasons, while it might be colder in general, ice is melting and rising water levels can make it very dangerous for yourself and your pet to trespass on these areas.
Clean your Pet’s Paws
In the event your pet goes outside to do its business, it’s important to clean its paws and underside for its own safety. This is because road salt and ice melt can irritate and burn the sensitive skin of your pet’s paws, and industrial salts can also be fatal to the pets if ingested.
Be Aware of Stray Cats
Stray cats are a common occurrence in the winter months, especially those seeking vehicle hoods and other warm locations to escape the cold elements. In order to prevent accidents, try knocking on the hood of your vehicle. This will safely scare away strays before starting your engine.
Keep Pets Leashed
During the winter months, the chance of a pet becoming lost while off its leash increases. This is because in snowstorms, a dog may lose its scent of home and in turn get lost. So, it’s recommended to keep your pet on a leash in order to prevent it from becoming lost or frightened when the weather turns.
A Warm Sleeping Area
Your pet needs to be cozy in order to get the rest they require, so making sure they have a warm place to sleep is essential. Try purchasing a thick cozy bed or one with a blanket, and try to house the sleeping area in a section of the house without any cold drafts or cooled floors.
Dress Pets for Weather
If you need to take your pets on a long drive or walk, then it’s important to dress your pets appropriately for the weather. This includes things such as winter sweaters and booties to keep them warm, or even small hats to keep the rain and snow out of their eyes.
Have a Kit for Emergencies
Should you ever experience an emergency whether it’s inside or outside, it’s important to have an emergency kit available in order to prevent your pet from becoming seriously ill. This is especially useful if you cannot leave your home for extended periods due to weather issues, and having a kit like this on hand can be useful in saving the life of a pet.
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