As you handle your landscaping, tree care, and home winter needs, it’s important to remember your pets. The cold can dangerous for your furry friends, and you’ll need to practice caution throughout the season. Use the following tips to ensure they stay comfortable throughout the winter and will be ready to head outdoors when spring arrives.

How to Protect Your Pet From the Cold

1. Bundle Up

If you want to enjoy your snow-covered, well-manicured yard that tree care professionals tidied up before winter, make sure everyone — including pets — bundles up. Long-term cold exposure can lead to hypothermia and other health complications. Invest in a sweater designed for dogs and booties to protect their feet. When you come back in, remove their wet clothes right away and dry their fur.

2. Reduce Outdoor Playtime

Playtime and walks are still important to your pet’s health, but you’ll want to make some changes during winter. Try taking several short walks a day instead of long ones. Reducing the amount of time your pet is exposed to the cold will lessen their chance of developing health issues.

3. Clean Their Paws

Cold, winter surfaces can be harmful to your pet’s paws, so inspect them every time you come in from a walk. See if they’re cracked or bleeding. They may have snagged a nail on jagged ice, or rock salt and other materials could have become caught in their fur. Keep a towel at the front door so you can wipe them off when you return.

4. Watch What They Ingest

Dogs love to bury their noses in the snow and sniff around the winter landscape. Deicers, antifreeze, and other materials are toxic and could cause health problems. Do your best to avoid commercial hardscapes, driveways, and other areas where these may be used.

When you head back in, look to see if your pet picked any of these chemicals up on their paws. They may lick them and accidentally poison themselves later.

As spring approaches, it’s good to start planning your tree care needs. Eden Lawn Care & Tree Service of Lincoln, NE, offers comprehensive tree and lawn maintenance services. Their skilled team handles fertilizing, weed and insect control, and tree trimming to ensure you and your pets have a beautiful outdoor spot to enjoy. Call (402) 488-3177 to schedule a consultation or visit their website to learn more about their services.