It’s starting to get cold outside – is your pet prepared? Here are a few tips to help you and your furred friend get the most out of the cold weather!
Make sure your pet has a cozy, warm place to sleep. A blanket or pet pillow works nicely for this.
If your pet is on a regular grooming schedule, you may want to leave the hair a little longer for the winter months. The extra hair will help in cold weather!
If you own a short-haired animal, consider a pet-sweater or coat that covers from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this coverage is necessary to withstand any length of time outdoors in freezing weather.
If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, you will want to increase their food to keep them healthy and active. The metabolism will speed up as their bodies burn more calories to keep warm. Puppies may be more difficult to house train during the winter, as they are less tolerable of the cold than adult dogs. It may be necessary to paper train them until they become less sensitive to the weather. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to illness, breed type or old age they should remain indoors as much as possible, and please remember to keep your pets inside on below-freezing nights. As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian for any specific questions you have.
