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There were already 24 reported deaths of pets this year directly or indirectly caused by icy temperatures. Most of the victims perished outdoors due to freezing weather. Without a doubt, wintertime is a difficult period for animals especially those that have short hair or are smaller breeds. They will feel the cold quickly and can easily succumb to hypothermia if left outdoors. Hence, it is vital that pet parents pay attention to their animal’s overall comfort and well-being to avoid problems and disasters. Here are ways to keep your furry companion safe, warm, and comfy this winter period.
When Going Outdoors
Smaller breeds of dogs and those with a thin coat as well as sick and older pets are likely to feel the cold weather. Therefore, prolonged exposure to frosty temperatures can potentially cause hypothermia and frostbite. Keeping your pets warm outdoors and indoors is imperative to avoid issues. Purchase jackets, sweaters, snoods, and coats for your furry friends as well as dog boots and warming blankets. Dog clothing plays an important role in keeping them warm and cozy when temperatures plummet.
Hence, if you’re heading outdoors, your pets should be bundled up. Shoes will protect their paws from the cold and snow as well as the toxic effects of salt and chemicals used in clearing roads of ice. It’s also a good idea to trim their nails to avoid buildup of snow or ice that will create matted hair. If you’re walking your pets at least an hour in normal weather, reduce it in winter to just 20 minutes. That will give them enough time to do their business and get some movement.
Warm Shelter Indoors
Unless your pooch is a large, long haired breed that loves to sleep outdoors, chances are high that your short-haired pooch will seek the warmth and comfort of your home’s interior. To make it easy for them, ensure that their corner of the house is warm. You might want to let them sleep near a radiator or put a warming blanket in their bed. Make sure that there are plenty of covers to keep them snug and cozy. For dogs that love their outdoor house, you might want to invest in heating their kennel so that they will sleep comfortably.
Another way to keep your dog warm this winter is to raise their beds from the ground. While sleeping on a cold floor is fine during the hot summer months, wintertime is another matter. Thus, an elevated dog bed will avoid direct contact with the cold floor keeping it warmer. In addition, it is easy for your companion animal to get in and out and will protect them from dirt that is on the floor. Odor is also less because there is better air circulation under the bed. Putting on pajamas when sleeping is also a great way to keep them warm or if they are staying indoors most of the time.
Short-haired breeds feel the cold sharply in wintertime. To endure and survive the season, it is vital to protect your beloved pets from the cold weather by dressing up warmly with coats, pajamas, and boots as well as heating sleeping/resting areas.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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