It is important to keep your pets inside with you and your family.  Dogs are the happiest when taken out frequently for walks and exercise and kept inside the rest of the time.  Animals should not be left outdoors when temperatures drop.  Even cats who normally spend their time outdoors during the other months should be provided shelter or brought indoors.

If your dog is outdoors most of the day, it is important to have a well-protected area that is dry, draft-free and large enough for them to move comfortably around, but small enough to hold in body heat.  The floor should be covered with cedar shavings or straw and should be raised a few inches off the ground.  A waterproof burlap or heavy plastic should be used to cover the doorway.

If your pet spends more time outside, you should feed them more in the winter because it takes more energy to keep warm.  The water dish should be checked routinely to make sure water is fresh and not frozen.  A metal dish should not be used because when the temperature gets low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to the metal.

Bundle Up

Windchill can be life-threatening to your pet, no matter what the temperature.  During cold snaps, any exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia.  Short-haired dogs may benefit from wearing a sweater, even during short walks, to prevent frostbite or hypothermia. 

The paw pads of your pet can become irritated after walking on rock salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice.  Use a damp towel to wipe the paws before your pet starts to lick their feet and their mouth becomes irritated.  “Booties” are a good way to keep paws clean, dry, and protected against ice.

Be Aware of Common Poisons

Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but it’s a deadly poison.  If there is any antifreeze that has spilled, wipe it up immediately and keep it out of reach.