How to keep your pets safe and happy in cold weather

Cold weather safety

The holiday season can be a magical time of the year, especially when snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. But despite how pretty the snow may look, the cold can have painful – and sometimes fatal – effects on animals. Here are some tips to keep your furry friends safe this winter.

Bring them inside

• Follow this basic rule: If you are cold, your pet is cold as well. There is a common misconception that animals have a higher tolerance for cold weather than humans. But, while pets with long hair may have a little more resistance against the cold, that does not keep their paws from the freezing ground. Prolonged contact with cold concrete will draw heat away from your pet, and these wintery conditions may even lead to cracked paws. Invest in properly-fitted booties for your pet, which will keep their paws warm and away from direct exposure to the ground.
• Pets with shorter legs risk their belly being exposed directly to the snow, so make sure they have adequate protection from the elements. For short-haired dogs and short-legged dogs, clothing is not just a fashion statement, it’s a necessity. Have a few dog sweaters to cycle through so if one gets dampened by snow, you’re not sending Sparky outside in a wet sweater, causing more harm than good.
• If your animals absolutely have to be outside for any length of time, proper shelter is key. Make sure Fido’s house is windproof, regularly change out their water to ensure it is not frozen and keep fresh, dry blankets available for maximum comfort.

Tap the hood

Outdoor cats can be attracted to warm car engines and may nap under the car hood as a refuge from the cold. Far too frequently, this results in serious injury or death when an unsuspecting driver starts their car. To prevent accidents, make noise when you go out to your car. Tap and knock on the hood, check underneath the car and on the tires, and even honk the horn to rouse any sleeping cats.

Summer dangers still apply to winter

• Do not let the lack of sun and hot temperatures fool you. Even though it is cold outside, the dry, frigid air will make it challenging for your pet to stay hydrated while running and playing outside. To ensure your pets stay fully nourished, check outdoor water sources regularly to make sure they don’t freeze over. If you cannot be home to replace the water as frequently as needed, a heated water bowl can be a good choice.
• If out shopping or running errands, it’s best to leave pets at home. While the risks of leaving pets in vehicles in the summer heat are well known, winter can be just as dangerous. Vehicles are temperature traps, and during a season when the mercury is plummeting, cars can turn into freezers. Do not leave your pet in the car unattended for long periods of time.

Be wary of antifreeze

Antifreeze and rock salt can be fatal if consumed by animals, even in small doses. These products smell sweet and may even taste good to animals. To prevent any accidents, keep your pet away from your garage and driveway, where the product may be spread to reduce ice. Rock salt can also irritate your pet’s paws, so do a thorough paw (and belly, for short-legged pets) wipe-down before they come inside. This will also protect against ingestion from licking their paws.

By following these simple tips, you and our family can have a safe holiday season.

Mark your calendar: If you still need to take care of your holiday cards, bring the whole family – human and furry – down to the Everett Animal Shelter on Saturday, Dec. 6 or Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Santa Paws. For $20, you will receive a framed photo of your pet with Santa, as well as a CD of photos to share with the whole family. All proceeds go toward medical care for shelter pets through the Animal Rescue Foundation of Everett.

Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter. Plan a visit, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and check out all of our adoptable pets. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel.