The cold and harsh weather of winter poses unique challenges for pet owners. As the weather starts to cool down, you’ll need to pay special attention to make sure your pets stay safe throughout the season. Use the following winter pet care tips to keep your furry friends warm and out of harm’s way.

5 Ways to Keep Pets Safe During Winter

1. Keep Them Warm

Very old, young, thin, or short-haired dogs won’t be able to handle the cold as well as other pets. If your dog shows signs of being excessively cold when outdoors, get them a winter coat or sweater to wear while outside. You should also avoid cutting your pet’s fur too short until the weather is warmer.

2. Protect Their Paws

Keep salt and other chemicals from harming your pet’s paw pads by massaging a bit of petroleum jelly onto them before going outside. For even more protection, you may also want to outfit your dog with snow booties. After every trip outdoors, wipe down or wash your dog’s paws and belly. This can remove harmful substances they’ve brought with them from outdoors.

3. Check Under the Hood

Winter pet care doesn’t just apply to dogs. Cats often climb in the wheel wells of cars or jump into the engine area seeking warmth. Make sure you honk your horn, bang on the hood of your vehicle, and check your wheel wells before starting your car, so your cat wakes up and moves before it’s injured.

4. Clean Up Antifreeze Spills

The sweet taste of antifreeze can attract cats and dogs, but this chemical can be lethal to your pets. Make sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle as soon as they happen.

5. Feed Them Regularly

Just like humans, pets need to burn extra calories to stay warm during winter. Provide proper pet care by feeding them extra food at mealtimes while the weather is cold. You can also help prevent dehydration and dry, irritated skin by ensuring they have plenty of water to drink. 

Get more winter pet care tips as well as excellent medical care for your furry friends by contacting Mt. Washington Animal Clinic in Bullitt County, KY. This veterinary hospital has been serving residents across the Bluegrass State for more than 40 years. The caring and compassionate staff is dedicated to providing the best care possible with the help of the latest techniques and equipment in the field. Find out more about the practice online or call (502) 955-6822 today to schedule an appointment.