{"id":61,"date":"2015-12-21T06:00:41","date_gmt":"2015-12-21T06:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=61"},"modified":"2016-12-07T23:58:30","modified_gmt":"2016-12-07T23:58:30","slug":"winter-pet-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/winter-pet-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Pet Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

Caring For Your Pet This Winter<\/h1>\n
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Winter Pet Care<\/p><\/div>\n

Pet owners who live in areas of cold winter climates should be aware that there are things to remember and put into place to keep their pets safe and healthy when the temperature drops.<\/p>\n

Be aware of your pet\u2019s tolerance to cold weather and adjust accordingly.\u00a0 This is especially true for older and sick pets. Arthritic or elderly pets may have difficulty walking in snow and ice and are more prone to slipping or falling.<\/p>\n

Common sense tells us that long-haired dogs are more tolerant to the cold, but they are still at risk in cold winter weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster, and short-legged dogs become cold faster because their tummies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground.<\/p>\n

Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or other medical problems may have a more difficult time regulating their body temperatures and may be more susceptible to problems relating to temperature extremes.\u00a0 The same can be said for very young and very old pets. Consult with your veterinarian if you need help in determining your pet\u2019s temperature limitations.<\/p>\n

It is a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant to cold temperatures than people because of their fur, but this is generally untrue.\u00a0 They are, like people, susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite.\u00a0 Thick-coated dog breeds, like huskies, are more tolerant, but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below freezing temperatures.<\/p>\n

Pets should be kept inside whenever possible in cold winter weather, but if you are unable to do so, provide him or her with a warm, solid shelter with a door positioned away from prevailing winds.\u00a0 The floor of the shelter should be off the ground and the bedding should be thick, dry, and changed regularly to provide a warm, healthy environment. \u00a0Space heaters and heat lamps should never be used because of the risk of fires or burns to the pet.\u00a0 If you use a heated pet mat, use with caution. Always provide fresh, non-frozen water and remember that pets need more calories in winter to keep them warm, so give your pet plenty of food.<\/p>\n

Check your pet\u2019s paws for ice and snow accumulation. Iceballs between their toes and pads can cause injury.\u00a0 Try to keep the fur growing between their toes clipped as this will reduce the chance of \u201cpopsicle toes\u201d. If your dog will tolerate booties, that would be a good way to protect her paws and toes. \u00a0It takes a little practice for pups to become accustomed to having something on their feet, so be patient.
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