The upcoming winter season means lots of cold weather and ice. As you know this can be quite uncomfortable for people, which means it can be quite uncomfortable for pets too. So how can you be sure you are keeping your pets safe during the winter months? You can check out these tips for prepping your pet for winter.
Include them in your emergency plan.
In your emergency supplies be sure you include extra water, pet food, and medications for them. Should you get snowed in you don’t want to have any issues with providing for them. Also keep the vet’s number on hand as well as any prescriptions they are on. Check out How to Prepare Your Pet for an Emergency
Watch for weather advisories.
Watch for freezing temperatures that trigger weather advisories. If issued, it means it is dangerous to be outdoors for any length of time. Pets should only be let out to use the bathroom and not for recreational reasons. Monitor your pet when going outside at all times.
Get that vet visit in
Something that I don’t like doing is dragging my pets to the veterinarian in the middle of winter. I always schedule a pre-winter vet visit. My pets don’t mind going to the vet, they love it. I try to do this around November before the first winter storm hits.
Stock up on pet food
Another thing you’ll want to do to prep your pet for winter is stock up on pet food. Pet food is something that you don’t want to run out of in the middle of winter. Pet food is a necessity, so make sure you are stocked up on your dog’s favorite food.
Add nutrients to their food.
Adding a little safflower oil can help with dry winter skin and dull coat. It can help with any skin itching or irritation as well. As a teaspoon of safflower oil over food each day and see what a difference it can make to your dog’s coat and skin.
Offer clothing for protection.
Short haired pets may feel more comfortable in a sweater or even paw pads during the cold weather months. It can help hem retain body heat and keep paw padding protected on icy and frigid sidewalks. You vet can recommend safe clothing options for your pet.
Hay can help.
If your dog wants to go outside, creating a trail of hay can help create a warm and steady surface for them to walk on. Grab some hay and keep it in a cool and dry place until needed. Then just use it to create a walkway for them to tread on to use the bathroom or get some quick fresh air.
Get a good rug for the front door
When the snow falls and your pet is going in and out of the back door, you’re going to wish you had a good rug. Every time your pet comes in, teach them to wipe their paws on the rug. If not, you can always use a towel and wipe off your pet’s feet yourself.
Keep toys on hand.
Since your pet won’t get outdoors as much, you want to keep some toys on hand. Spend time each day playing with them so they can run off the extra energy and blow off steam. This is a great way to cub negative behavior as well. Keep toys on hand and keep them active.
Don’t allow water bowls to freeze.
If your dog does like to go outdoors even in cold temps, keep an eye on their water bowl to prevent freezing. You don’t want them stuck without hydration, so be vigilant about keeping water fresh at all times.
Keep your pets safe this winter season when you keep these tips in mind. As you can see these tips are easy to implement but will make a huge difference to the health and happiness of your pet. Give these tips a try and you are sure to offer your pet a safe and happy winter season.