Five Winter Safety Tips for Pets

As the temperatures plunge, it’s important to take extra precautions with your pets. Normal walks around the neighborhood with your dog can become dangerous for their paws if they’re exposed to dry, cold air, snow or salt. Keep your pets happy and healthy this winter by following these safety tips.

1. Pay attention to their paws. As mentioned before, your pets’ paws can become irritated or cracked after being subjected to the snow, ice or salt for too long. Wipe their paws after you return home from walks, or anytime they come back in from the outdoors, to remove snow and ice from between their toes as well as any harmful chemicals (salt, antifreeze, or ice melts) they may have stepped in.

2. Check your car before starting it. During the winter, feral and outdoor cats often sleep in the wheel wells or under the hoods of cars parked outside to keep warm. To prevent accidentally injuring a cat, bang on the hood of your car or honk your horn before starting your car to wake any sleeping cats.

3. Stay hydrated. Just as the dry winter air can dehydrate you, it can also dehydrate your pets. Check that your outdoor water bowls are not frozen, and that fresh water is readily available for your pet outside and in the house.

4. Be seen at night. With daylight savings in effect, evening walks in the winter are often in the dark. Help drivers see you and your pet by wearing light colored clothes and using a leash or collar with reflective materials.

5. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. If it’s too cold for you to take a long walk outside, then it’s probably too cold for your dog. Err on the side of caution during days with freezing temperatures and snow storms and keep your pets warm and safe inside.