5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Warm and Safe in Winter

Winter is officially here. Whether your area experiences chilly rain or freezing temperatures with blowing snow, this time of year brings safety concerns for our pets, including frostbite and poisoning. Below are five ways to keep your pet warmer and safer during these next several months:

Consider coats. Short-haired dog breeds or older animals may need a coat to wear outside while on a walk. No one likes feeling like an icicle or being chilled by rain, including our beloved pets. So, if you have a dog that's affected by winter conditions, provide an extra layer of warmth in the form of a coat or sweater.Buy booties. The pads of a pet's feet can become frost-bitten if they are outdoors for too long. Ice, snow, and ice melt can also be picked up while outside. Many mushers and other dog owners use booties specifically made for dogs to protect their paws; you, too, may find those beneficial for your pet.Clean the coat and dry off. When your dog is bathed, make sure s/he is completely dry before going outdoors. And when returning home from a walk, clean your dog’s paws, legs and stomach area. Your pet can ingest antifreeze, salt, and other harmful chemicals if he’s allowed to clean himself.Keep pets from poisons. Antifreeze poisons pets and so does some ice melts; therefore, keep your pets away from these products, and, as noted above, clean your animals’ coat and paws regularly.Keep kitties indoors and regularly check your car’s engine. Cats should be kept inside the house to keep them safe from other animals roaming outdoors and from being run over by cars. Kitties that are outside in winter often climb into the engine compartments of vehicles to stay warm; therefore, prior to starting your car's engine, bang on the hood to scare away any potential stowaways. Fan belts seriously injure, even kill, cats and other small animals that crawl into the engine area. Some kitties even huddle in the wheel-well, so do a thorough check of your vehicle before pulling away.            
Putting these five tips into action will help keep your four-footed companion warmer and safer during chilly winter months.