Winter is a gorgeous time of year – the snow is beautiful, and many of us love cozying up by the fire with a warm cup of coffee. But, as the temperatures drop, the season brings some challenges for pet owners, too.
While it’s easy for us humans to layer up with scarves and gloves and burrow away in our homes, our pets are completely reliant on us to keep them warm, safe, and healthy all year long. Whether you have a dog, cat, or another kind of pet, here are some tips to keep them warm in the wintertime.
1. Go Clothes Shopping
Just like you would buy yourself a warm new coat or a fuzzy sweater when the weather turns chilly, do the same for your pets. While not all animals love the feeling of wearing clothing, certain breeds will benefit from the extra layer. This is especially important for pets with shorter fur or minimal body fat.
Dog jackets and sweaters are easy to find, and they look cute, too. When you’re shopping, pay attention to the materials of the items you buy – fleece or wool are your best bet for warmth and comfort, plus these won’t contain any synthetic materials. You should also keep in mind that your pets probably won’t need their clothing when they’re snuggled indoors, so don’t let them overheat!
2. Keep Them Indoors
When it’s snowing outside or just extra cold, most of us stay indoors as much as possible. We start skipping our morning walks and swap dinners out for cozy takeout on the sofa.
While regular exercise for pets is essential – contributing to their physical and mental health, the cold of the outdoors can be taxing on them, too. Because of this, it’s a good idea to keep their time outdoors to a minimum as well. Opt for shorter walks or puppy play sessions outside, and instead make an effort to play with your pets in the living room instead. Try to take them out when the sun is at its warmest – around noon – and keep them out of snow and sleet. Too much exposure to harsh, cold conditions can lead to hypothermia or frostbite.
3. Cozy Them Up
There’s no better feeling in the wintertime than curling up into a nice, warm bed with your favorite fluffy blanket. You’re welcome to invite your pets into your bed with you, but if you prefer them to have their own sleeping spot, you may want to level it up for the colder months.
Make sure your pet’s bed is in a draft-free zone of your home, away from cold floors, doors, or windows. Add some extra blankets for them, and consider looking into purchasing a self-warming pet mat. These reflect your pet’s body heat back to them for extra warmth without the danger of a heating pad.
4. Feed Them Well
We all like to eat a little more in the winter. Maintaining a healthy body temperature takes hard work, and most of us – animals included – burn more calories per day because of it. You might need to bump up your pet’s portion sizes when it’s cold to make sure they’re properly nourished.
However, if your pet’s activity has taken a significant dip because of the cold, you might need to decrease their food intake to avoid unnecessary and unhealthy weight gain.
In this regard, it’s important to talk to your vet beforehand. They will be able to talk to you about your pet’s nutrition and help you decide on the appropriate adjustments.
5. Protect Their Paws
If (and when) you do take your pets outside, you need to be extra careful with their delicate paws. When the ground is icy, there are more hazards your dog may encounter on a walk! Your pet’s paw pads are sensitive, so any ice, snow, or chemical de-icers on the sidewalks could irritate or damage their paws, causing red feet, dryness, and pain.
To counter this, make sure you wipe their paws after walks and apply some paw balm to keep them moisturized and nourished. Better yet, invest in some pet booties that will protect your pet’s paws and provide traction on slippery surfaces, too. It might be a little tough for your pet to adjust (and it might be amusing to watch them try), but patience is worth implementing for the benefits this gear offers.
6. Keep Your Pets Out of the Car
We all know that it’s incredibly dangerous to leave your pet locked in a hot car. However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that a cold car can be just as dangerous! The temperature in a car can dip dangerously low, and any pets trapped inside could be very uncomfortable and even unsafe.
If you’re heading out in harsh weather conditions, do your best to leave your pets at home. If they need to come along for the journey, bringing them out with you on a leash and collar or harness or in a carrier is a better alternative to leaving them in a frosty vehicle.
7. Play More Indoors
As mentioned, it’s better to keep your pet indoors as much as possible. But keeping them entertained and active all day without an outdoor walk can be troublesome. However, there are still some fun ways to keep your pets enriched indoors, too.
For dogs, set up obstacle courses, invest in some puzzle toys, and even try your luck playing fetch indoors if you have enough space for it! You may need to protect some of your more delicate items, but this can still be great fun for both you and your pooch.
For cats, getting your hands on some catnip can liven up their day, and offering them a cozy sunning spot near a window can help them cope better with being cooped up.
