During the winter, outside pets need special care and grooming to ensure they’re safe and healthy. The seasonal conditions require specific attention with cold temperatures, wind, and precipitation. Below is advice to keep your cat or dog in top shape.

Care for Outdoor Pets in the Winter With This Advice

1. Provide Shelter 

Even the fluffiest of pets need shelter during the winter months. Create a kennel or enclosure that includes four walls and a roof so they can stay dry and out of the wind.

2. Offer Heating

Your pet's water dish will freeze solid without a special heater. Head to a hardware or animal feed store to purchase a water dish heater to keep your pets hydrated.

You’ll also need to heat their outdoor house. Insulate the walls and roof and be sure there are no leaks as moisture exposure is dangerous. If it’s too cold for humans to be outside, move your pets indoors. Creating a home in a heated garage or basement is a fantastic option if the animal is not used to coming in the house.

3. Remember Grooming

Animals that live outside often suffer from snow buildup on their feet and bellies. These snowballs will quickly weigh them down, affecting their mobility and potentially exposing them to frostbite and hypothermia. Brush your cat or dog daily to remove these masses and ensure they’re comfortable.

4. Protect Their Paws

Paws are susceptible to cracking due to sidewalk salt and cold. Use pet-friendly sidewalk melt mixes without chloride and salt, so they don’t harm your animals or those walking by. Also, consider investing in boots to protect their feet from snow and ice buildup.

5. Feed Them More

Your pets use calories faster in the winter to stay warm. Make sure they have extra fuel to burn by feeding them more than usual. Talk with a vet to learn how much to give your furry friend to keep them healthy during the cold months.

If you need professional winter grooming, visit Robinwood Kennel in Cincinnati, OH. Owners Joe, Carol, and Peggy provide personalized pet grooming and boarding just minutes from Northern Kentucky University and 15 minutes from Cincinnati. Visit the website for more information about their services, or call the Highland Heights-area kennel at (859) 781-2342 to set up an appointment.