It’s finally started to get cold down South (we’re a bit slow to catch up with the weather down here in Texas) and as the temperatures outside drop, we’re helping pet owners protect pets from the winter cold. 🙂
Especially for yall up North, make sure to keep your dog or cat protected during dangerous cold snaps! Their fur might make them look cozy, but young & older pets & smaller animals should have more protection when it falls under 40 degrees.
What you need to know this winter
Provide shelter from the cold. If your pets spend most of their time outside, have some shelter for them to fend off the worst of the weather.
Warmth & padding. Throw a blanket, old towels or an old dog bed into your pet’s shelter for extra warmth and padding.
Shelter size. Your shelter should be small enough so that the heat doesn’t escape, but large enough so that your pet can comfortably sit and stand.
Water bowls. Use a plastic water bowl, not a metal one. This makes sure your dog’s tongue doesn’t freeze to the bowl. Finally, be sure to check & change it as when it drops below freezing or your poor pup might be licking a block of ice. 🙂
Protect older & younger pets. If you have older, arthritic animals or younger puppies & kittens, they’re the most likely to suffer from exposure to cold weather. Please keep them inside and show them how much you care. ♥
Parked cars. We know this is considered more of a problem in hot weather, but it’s just as bad when your pet gets trapped in a vehicle in extreme cold. If you have to leave your pet in a parked car, make sure it’s not for long & keep the heater running!
Hypothermia, frostbite & poisoning in pets
When it gets extremely cold, these are the three real dangers. If you notice any of the following signs, we recommend you consult with a vet ASAP.
Uncontrollable shivering, lethargy, lowered heart rate & unresponsiveness. Bring your pet into a warm area & keep them covered while you contact your veterinarian.
Pale/gray coloring or hardness/coldness in paws, tail and ears that may turn red as extremities get warmer. These could indicate frostbite, which is especially dangerous to smaller and short-haired dogs & cats left outdoors.
Also watch for one dangerous toxic temptation for dogs in cold weather: antifreeze.
Dogs like the taste, and can get it from a car’s leaking radiator or a toilet bowl if you’re using antifreeze to ‘winterize’ your pipes. Less than 3 ounces is enough to to poison a medium-sized dog.
Contact a vet immediately if you think your pet may have been been around antifreeze!
And finally, we have to mention the cute side of protecting your pets from the cold. Check out these dashing pups sporting the absolute latest in fashionable winter sweaters.