Winter can be a magical time of year—hot chocolate, cozy blankets, and maybe even some snow flurries! But while we bundle up to stay warm by our fireplace, our pets need extra care too. Dogs and cats may have fur, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe from extreme cold. Freezing temperatures, icy conditions, and harsh winds can be dangerous, even deadly, for pets. Below are some tips to help keep your pets safe in the cold.
1. Bring Them Inside
If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them! Even pets that normally stay outside should be brought inside when temperatures drop. Hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly. If you have stray cats in your area, consider making a small shelter with blankets or straw (no hay it stays wet) to help them stay warm.
2. Limit Outdoor Time
Dogs still need exercise but keep walks short in freezing weather. If it’s super cold, consider getting your pup a coat or sweater, especially if they have short fur. Also, check their paws for ice, salt, or cracks when they come back inside. Consider getting them paw boots or paw covers to protect their paws from the ice.
Wet fur and cold weather don’t mix. If your pet gets wet from rain or drizzle, dry them off right away. Wet fur loses its ability to trap heat, making it easier for them to get too cold. No outdoor baths (it is tub time) if you have to bath them do so indoors.
4. Watch for Signs of Hypothermia
Shivering, weakness, whining, or acting sluggish are all signs that your pet is too cold. If they show any of these symptoms, bring them inside immediately and warm them up slowly. If you believe they have hypothermia, consider taking them to San Saba Animals Hospital (you can call them at 325-372-5445) or take them to your local vet.
5. Bang on Your Car Hood In the winter, cats love to hide under car hoods to stay warm. Before starting your car, knock on the hood or honk the horn to make sure no cats are taking shelter inside. We have found several local kittens in this situation. Some have fallen out and were killed and others had burns from the engine.
6. Keep an Eye on Their Food and Water Outdoor water bowls can freeze, leaving pets without anything to drink. You can find heated water bowls on Amazon that are made for outside. Make sure they have fresh, unfrozen water, and give them a little extra food in winter since their bodies burn more energy to stay warm.
Winter can be tough on animals, but with a little extra care, your pets can stay safe and warm all season long. Remember, they rely on us to keep them safe—so let’s make sure they get the love and protection they deserve! If you have questions or need assistance, please contact San Saba County Friends of Animals at (325) 372-PETS.
3. Keep Them Dry