How to Keep Your Pets Comfortable in the Cold Weather

By Cailtin Gose

As the Winter months draw nearer, it is important that you remember to keep your pets warm as well as yourself. While some pets have thicker fur and might not feel the cold, others have little to no fur and can feel very uncomfortable this time of year. A key tip to abide by is, “If it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for your pet.” While you can add as many layers as you want and even throw on your warmest pair of Winter boots, your pet cannot. They need your help in order to do so.

Pet Sweaters

The most common thing to do to keep your pets (yes, cats included) warm, is buy them a sweater. Or better yet, a coat. Reaching for a warm, fuzzy sweater is such a comfort for us humans when we’re cold. Your pet will more than likely think the same way, especially if they go outside! As a bonus, you can even get your dog some booties for their paws. However, many dogs do not enjoy walking in them and would rather go without.

Don’t Take Long Walks

Although your dog may enjoy those long Summer walks, sniffing everything in sight, taking too long of walks in the Winter is not good for their paws. That doesn’t mean don’t go on walks altogether, but shaving a few minutes off your daily walks when it’s cold is probably a good idea. You still want your dog to get their exercise in for the day, just make sure their paws aren’t getting too cold!

Have Good Winter Shelter Outside

If your pet will be spending a lot of time outside in the Winter (because it is true, some pets like being in the cold) make sure they have a quality shelter that is warm and they can enter if they wish to. Make sure the shelter has a wind blocker, stays dry on the inside, and isn’t too big or small for your pet. Also, if you’re able to keep it off the ground and instead have it on a porch or patio, that helps it stay much warmer.

Keep Pets Dry

After coming inside from the cold and snow, make sure your pet is dry. If not, just grab a towel and dry them off. Their fur or paws being wet can make them even colder and take them longer to warm up. Even having a dry spot outside that your pet can go to is a good idea. Like a spot with a tarp over it to keep the ground dry.

Bring Pets Inside

When there are really frigid temperatures outside, bring your pets in. If not, they can be open to hypothermia and frostbite. On really cold days make sure your pet has a warm place inside to cozy up and relax, like a blanket or bed they can cuddle up on. Even those pets that love being outside in the cold, like Huskies, St. Bernards, and German Shepherds, can get frostbite on their paws. Keep them safe and bring them in.

Conclusion

When Winter comes and brings its cold weather with it, it’s important to know how to keep your pet warm and comfortable. Following these tips will help you ensure that you are doing this for your pet.

Keep in mind that whenever you think it’s too cold, so does your pet! Doing something as simple as buying them a sweater can make a world of difference to your furry friend

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Caitlyn is a painter, bookworm, and freelance writer from Southwest Michigan. She comes to Adeo Pets with the desire to teach others about pet safety and health. She has a deep love for animals and wants pet parents to have all the answers they are looking for! Check out her work at www.cgosecopywrite.com.