Winter has arrived with temperatures dropping into the teens and 20s. In the metropolitan area, he finds January to be his coldest month of the year, with average lows of 18 degrees Fahrenheit and highs of just 32 degrees.
But did you also know that even though our pets are furry, they aren't necessarily more cold tolerant than humans? Just like us, they can get used to the warmth of indoor shelter. cold weather can be just as tough on them as it is on us.
Whether you and your pet love winter or would rather snuggle under a blanket on the couch, one thing is for sure: this is a time of year when your pet needs a little extra care. Here are some tips to help your furry friend stay as comfortable as possible during the upcoming cold season.
Limit outdoor time: Take your dog out for walks, exercise, and play often, but don't leave him outside for long periods when temperatures drop. Ears, feet, and tails are all susceptible to frostbite. Also, be sure to keep your cat indoors during the winter. In cold weather, people often seek shelter under the hood of their cars for heat, and turning on the ignition can cause injury or death.
Comfortable bedding: Don't let your dog or cat sleep on cold floors in winter. Choosing the right bedding is important to keep your pet warm. Blankets create a cozy environment, raised beds can protect dogs and cats from cold tiles and concrete, and heated pet beds can help prevent stiffness in aging joints.
Protect your pet from heat sources. Dogs and cats often seek heat by getting too close to heaters during the cold winter months. To prevent pet burns, avoid space heaters and install baseboard radiator covers. Fireplaces are also a big threat, so be sure to have a pet-proofing system to protect your heat-seeking friends from harm.
Taking care of your feet is essential. Melted ice on sidewalks and driveways can burn your dog's paw pads and be toxic, so wash or wipe your dog's paws after a walk around the neighborhood to remove any residue. If your dog shows discomfort when walking on frozen or salted ground outdoors, consider using dog boots to protect his paws.
Special consideration for the elderly: Cold weather can worsen your dog's existing medical conditions, especially arthritis. It's important to maintain an exercise regimen for dogs with arthritis, but be careful of slippery surfaces. If you haven't already given your senior dog a joint supplement to ease the discomfort of arthritis, you may want to consider adding one in the winter.
With a little preparation, responsible pet parents can avoid many of the concerns that harsh winter weather can bring. Paying special attention to your faithful friend's health during the winter months will allow you both to enjoy the season to the fullest.
Brad Snyder is a volunteer with the Animal Rescue Foundation. APF welcomes animal-related questions and stories about people and animals in our community by contributing articles to Animal Chronicles. Visit Animalprotective.org, follow us on social media @AnimalProtectiveFoundation, or email chronics@animalprotective.org.
