While winter is the ideal time to cuddle up with your pet and keep each other warm, taking your pet outside in the chilly weather can expose them to several possible risks. It's crucial to remember that our pets require more protection from the cold as the temperatures drop. Making rapid modifications to your pet's routines that take the weather into account is necessary for winter safety for dogs and cats, especially in below-freezing temperatures. Make sure your pet is warm and safe during the winter by familiarizing yourself with these winter pet safety precautions before the mercury drops.

Food

Just like us, dogs and cats need calories to stay alive. Food gives them the calories they need to exercise and play, keeping them warm. The number of calories your pet needs depends on its weight and coat type. 

Low-body-fat canines and felines with thin or hairless coats may require extra calories in the winter to keep warm. However, they are better insulated than thinner coats and require less energy to stay warm. Because of this, pets with thicker coats and higher fat densities usually require fewer calories during the winter, according to experts.

Keep Them From the Ice

Sometimes, our pets enjoy playing in the snow and the ice during winter. However, their bodies are not fully protected against the cold. The bottom of their paws is not as warm as their tummy or back. Because of this, they can be susceptible to frostbite if they spend too much time outside. 

Frostbite can kick in when the temperatures drop. When the temperatures drop, ensure you get your pet somewhere nice and warm to step in. Avoid taking them out in extremely low temperatures. It may be hard to control their outgoing, especially with cats, so ensure they have a nice warm place they can easily access.

Keep Your Home Pet-proof

Once winter approaches, your pet will likely spend a lot more time inside, so you will need to take extra precautions to keep them safe over the winter. While it is always important to keep possible dangers out of reach, winter is a particularly dangerous time to introduce new home goods. 

Be keen to ensure your pet does not get too close to the fire if you decide to stay toasty by the fireplace, especially since embers are unpredictable.

Keep Watch of Salt and Ice Melt

The chemicals manufacturers use for the salt and ice melt are sometimes toxic to pets. Thus, you must keep your pet safely away from them. Get some pet-friendly alternatives to ensure the safety of your pet better. Also, you can wash off the paws of your furry friends when they go out to ensure they are safe.

Keep Your Pet Hydrated

It is not common for people to know that dehydration can happen in cold temperatures, but it does. It is important to make sure your pet is drinking enough water at home. Also, ensure you carry a water bottle when you take them for a walk. Keep fresh water in their drinking bowl at home and keep it from the cold temperatures outside.

For more about keeping pets safe in the cold winter month, call (541) 313-3352 South Willamette Veterinary Clinic at our office in Creswell, Oregon.