Keep your pets warm this winter: safety tips
It’s freezing outside and it’s set to bring colder temperature, with fogs, frost, snow and hails. Maybe you are already prepared, what about your four-legged babies? Keeping your pet safe and warm is a must even if they are fur-coated. These creatures are prone to winter health risks just as you are. Stephanie Taunton, a certified dog trainer, shares safety tips to protect your friend and ensure they are safe when winter comes knocking.
Keep them warm while outside.
Either you have outdoor pets or some in the neighbourhood, don’t forget to keep their house warm. Ensure the shelter is raised above the floor to prevent dampness or wetness. ‘A dry room, safe from rain, wind and any other elements is recommended’ says Stephanie Taunton Cover beddings with cedar shavings or straw to provide maximum heat. Keep the seniors and young pets inside as they are more liable to hypothermia or frostbite. Feed them often and change their water regularly when it is cold.
Ensure healthy diets for your pet
Feed your dog nutritious meal during winter to increase their calories level A healthy diet will keep their fur healthy and let them stay warm. The weather is already cold to feed them cold food. Ensure the food is warm before giving them. Don’t overfeed them while at it as dogs tend to be involved in less exercise during winter and this can lead to excess weight gain
Fat in diet is essential to keep them warm. However, watch out for their activities and know when to reduce it. Excess fats might have a long term effect. Let them drink room temperature water during this season
Reduce the walk time.
It’s safe to reduce the number of times your dog stays outside and shorten their walk time. No pets no matter how fur-coated it is should spend hours outside, they are all liable to health risk. Know your dog and read their behavior. Young dogs cannot even withstand the weather, thus they shouldn’t be taken to snowy areas. If you are covered up while outside, do the same for your pet. Dressed them up in sweaters or coats with pet’s boots to go with it. Examine your pets after walks for any signs of injuries or cracks. The fur, the paws, and the pads might have picked up harmful substances. Wipe them with towels after walks. Never leave your pet unattended while outside. De-icing salts, sidewalks-chemical, and anti-freeze especially might be tasteful to your pet but they are dangerous.
Bundle up your pets
It’s cold outside and no one wants to stay outdoors including your pet. Keep them with you in the room.
Keep the bedding dry and warm. A woolen blanket and bed will provide some coziness and warmth. Watch out their behavior, sometimes, they might prefer a cooler place if the room temperature is warm. Just a cloth might be all that is needed. Notice your puppies burrowed in a corner in for warmth? Consider wearing coats or sweaters for them even while indoors. They are still young and they require more warmth.
These simple tips shared by Stephanie Taunton should keep your four-legged family warm, safe and happy during the colder months.