5 Ways To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter
5 Ways To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter
We’re heading into the winter months, and while we don our warmest clothing and reach for hot drinks to keep warm, it’s important not to neglect our pets during this time of year. While some may think that a cat’s or a dog’s fur may be enough to keep our four-legged friends warm and comfy, experts say that it may take more than a thick coat to keep them healthy in winter.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, health, body fat stores, and activity level. To keep your dog or cat safe and healthy this winter, you need to be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather and keep them warm while indoors and outdoors.
Common winter illnesses in pets
Before letting your pet head out into the snow, keep in mind that your dog or cat is susceptible to common winter illnesses. Just like humans, pets can catch a cold, and dogs are prone to canine infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough. Your pets are also susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite, which are brought about by the combination of wet and cold. The worst case of frostbite can result in gangrene, which is potentially life-threatening to your dog or cat. To prevent your pet from getting sick this winter, here are 5 tips to keep them warm.
Upgrade your pet’s bed
If your pet is sleeping on a rug or on an old blanket, now is the time to upgrade your dog or cat’s sleeping place. Get a dog or cat bed that’s the right size for your pet and make it cozy by adding a burrow blanket so your furry friend can stay warm and comfortable on cold winter nights.
Put your pet’s bed in a warm place
The warmest place in your home is where your pet’s bed should be. If your living room has a fireplace, then that may be the best place for your pet. If you don’t have one, you and your pet can still keep warm by installing a ventless wall-mounted fireplace in your home. Not only is it safer for children and pets, but it gives off a good amount of heat without smoke, soot, or toxic fumes.
Dress them up
If your pet has short hair, consider letting your dog or cat wear a sweater or a coat. Have several sweaters on hand so you can change your pet’s clothes if your furry friend gets wet from playing outdoors. You can also let your pet wear booties to protect his paws.
Feed your pet
Just like humans, pets burn up more calories in the winter to stay warm, so make sure that your pet gets enough food to supply him with the calories that he needs. For a nutritious and warming treat, feed your dog or cat some stew, but make sure that it’s not too hot before serving.
Don’t leave your pet inside your vehicle
Leaving your pet inside your car in the dead of winter poses a serious risk to your dog or cat’s health. Keep your pet inside your home as much as possible, and if you need to run errands with your pet, make sure that you don’t leave your dog or cat unattended in your vehicle.
Follow these tips to keep your pet safe and healthy this winter. Keeping them warm will not only prevent them from illness but will keep them comfy and happy throughout the cold winter months.
Author: Sally Writes