We may have had a mild winter in December, but now it is Chicago in January! Your pet is likely used to indoor temperatures, so when he or she has to go outside, it is up to you to make sure your pet is safe. Here are some winter pet care tips to keep your pet happy in the colder months:
Elderly Pets
: Be extra careful when your cat or dog is elderly. The cold weather does not agree with them if they have arthritis or other joint pain. In addition, do not let your dogs off their leash because they may become disoriented if there is a lot of snow on the ground; their surroundings seem much more different than they do for you!
Be Aware of the Temperature
: There is a big difference between single digit weather and 30-degree weather, despite them both being winter temperatures. If you have outside pets, make sure they come inside at temperatures below 10 degrees. In addition, if your dog has long hair, keep it long during the winter, it’s his or her coat! If your dog has short hair, consider getting him or her a coat when it hits below forty degrees. However, pets lose most of their heat through their feet and ears, which aren’t protected with a coat, meaning that frostbite is something you should look out for.
Winter Conditions
: Things such as ice and cold sidewalks are something pets do not have to deal with in three of the four seasons. Watch out for sharp ice and wash your pet’s feet after a walk to make sure the pads of their feet don’t have loose debris in them.
When the weather is cold, it can be hard for everyone. Your pet can’t put mittens or a hat on themselves, so it is up to you to make sure they stay warm! For more winter pet care tips or to schedule a veterinary appointment for your pet, contact Metro Vet today!
Courtesy of: Global Animal
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