8 Ways to Protect Pets During the Cold Season

Winter is a great time to spend indoors and an excellent opportunity to spend time with those you love. That includes your furry friends too. You know that staying out in the cold too long is bad for you, so you have gloves for your hands and shoes for your feet. However, your dog or cat may not understand how dangerous it can be to be out in the cold. 

1. Keep Frostbite Away

As mentioned above, your pets will require extra attention this winter—primarily because of their paws. Unlike the rest of their body, their paws are exposed to the cold because they have no fur covering them. If you go outside with your pet and notice them picking their paws off the ice or snow, it is likely too cold for them. 

2. Watch for the Salt and Ice Melt

The wintertime comes with multiple threats for your pet. One such threat is chemical poisoning. Usually, this comes from the salt and ice melt that can cause chemical poisoning or salt toxicity. You can take measures to use pet-safe options for your driveway, but the rest of the street and the roads will still not be safe. Ensure you wipe snow and ice off your pet's paws once you are going inside the house.

3. Track Their Food

Your pet will need calories to burn to keep warm and for other activities. This means they will need good food sources and diets that fit this time. The number of calories they need will vary depending on their coat and weight. Pets with thinner coats may need more calories to keep warm and energized. Those with thicker coats may need less.

4. Keep Your Home Pet-friendly

Because your pet will spend most of the time indoors in winter, ensure you pet-proof your house. Some equipment and items are obvious to keep away, such as wires, cleaning supplies, and house plants. But things like the heater may slip the mind because they are necessary for winter. When you leave the house, ensure your space heater is off. Also, if you work up a fire in the fireplace, keep your pet safe from any embers that leap out.

5. Be Wise With the Outdoors

Taking your pet out while winter is coming in and when it is in full force may help your pet acclimate to the cold weather. Ensure you have the right supplies when you go out. Also, ensure they are chipped and leashed. The cold weather suppresses scents, making it difficult for your pet to find its way back if they run off. 

6. Watch the Water

Take extra care when you take your pet out close to ponds and water bodies. Pets like to explore their surroundings and venture out to frozen water bodies. To avoid this, have them leashed every time you take them out.

7. Moisturize

It may seem odd, but winter can cause dry skin on your pet. It may make them itchier and more uncomfortable. To ease this, you can use a soothing oatmeal shampoo or apply coconut oil to your dog's coat. Another solution is a fatty-acid supplement you can get through your vet.

8. The Potty Situation

It may be difficult for your pet to go out in the winter. So, you must train them to use an indoor potty. It is essential to have your dog potty trained. Cats learn quickly; however, you may need to move their litter basket to a warmer place during winter.


For more about protecting your pets during the cold season, visit Liberty Animal Clinic at our office in Hinesville, Georgia. Call (912) 368-4080 to book an appointment today.