Winter Pet Care Tips

The rude awakening of the arrival of winter might disrupt your pet if you happen to have a cat that whiles away on the front porch’s sunny patch or a dog that romps around the entire day in the yard. Of course, you might argue that your pet is covered in fur anyway, so winter should not be too disruptive. On the other hand, many pets are just not equipped to out for prolonged periods in temperatures that are frigid.

How can you care well for your furry friends and make sure they are warm this winter? There are a few safety tips you can put into effect that will help ensure the safety of your pet this winter.

Plush Coats

The plush coats of your pet may be something you admire. As gorgeous as it is, however, when the weather turns frigid, it is not exactly an insulator that is perfect. In the wintertime, your pet dog or cat could suffer from the extremes of weather conditions. This is in the same way that hypothermia is something that mountain climbers tend to get no matter how many layers of clothing they wear. The cold fact is that excess cold temperatures can overwhelm regulation and retention of heat in mammals. Fur also loses much of its ability to insulate if the coat of your animal gets moist. For dogs and cats with fur that is short, there is even less protection.

Winter Shelter

In the wintertime, your pet will need to be protected from temperatures that are extreme. This includes shelter free from drafts and which is dry and warm. It also includes lots of water and food. Any time the temperature starts to drop below zero, take caution. If you feel very cold, your pet may also feel the same way.

Winter Clothing

Human beings use coats to deal with cold temperatures, so doesn’t it follow that pets should too? For cats, using a coat to protect your pet may not be a good idea as these won’t be tolerated by your feline. Usually, your dog will be able to tolerate a coat, but not your cat. When you dress your pet, make sure they are supervised at all times and not left to wander around outside in frigid temperatures.

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.