Cold Weather Safety Tips For Pets
#1 Please Keep All Pets Indoors In Cold Weather!
If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your pet.
Tips for indoor pet care:
  • Coming from the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy dry skin for your pet. Keeping your home humidified and towel drying your pet upon entering your home can help.
  • To prevent matting and tangling that causes the pet to be shaved down, bring your pet in to the groomer for maintenance grooming. We can trim the hair between the pads that attract ice balls, salt crystals, and de-icing chemicals that can agitate their skin and cause discomfort to your pets feet.
  • On walks, bring a towel to wipe their paws. After the walk, you will need to wash and dry your pet's feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals. Also, check the paws for cracks and redness.
  • While it is ok to bathe your pets during the winter months, bathing too much can remove essential oils and increase chances of developing dry skin.
  • Putting petroleum jelly or other paw protectants on paw pads before taking your pet outside can help protect paws from salt and chemical de-icing agents. It is always recommended to use a pet-safe de-icing option.
  • Antifreeze is extremely toxic to pets. Thoroughly clean up any spill to prevent poisoning.
  • Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep off the floor away from drafts.
  • Many pets can become lost in the winter, make sure you have a collar with an up-to-date identification tag or have your pet micro-chipped.
  • Make sure your house is properly pet proofed. Use space heaters with caution as they can burn your pet. Check your furnace and install carbon monoxide detectors for you and your pet's safety.
  • Cold weather brings the risks of severe weather and power outages. When preparing a disaster plan, Include your pet in your plans.

Tips for outdoor pet care:
  • Pets must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter large enough for them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat
  • The floor should be covered in straw or cedar shavings.
  • The doorway needs to be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
  • Make sure the water is fresh and not frozen.
  • Use plastic food and water dishes because the pets tounge can freeze to metal dishes.