14 Ways to Prepare Your Pet for Winter

This blog post was made possible by Petcurean Pet Food

Winter is officially upon us.

While many Californians are lucky, our hearts go out to the many people and pets who can’t play outside right now, no matter where you live, winter can pose a danger to your pet. Therefore, today I would like to share with you some tips for preparing for the winter season. Specifically, we will focus on how to keep your pets safe, happy, and healthy until Spring.

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Winter Safety for Pets

Petcurean, the food we feed Rooney every day, is recommending the following precautions to ensure safety for your pets throughout the winter:

Use a humidifier

Cooler weather usually brings dry air, so using a humidifier will help to keep the noses and throats of our dogs and cats from drying out. It’s the same for their coat and skin.

Taking care of your pet’s coat, skin, and feet might take some extra effort this winter. If you notice that your pet’s skin and coat are extra dry, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a soothing shampoo this winter, as well as changing the frequency of baths for the season. In addition to looking after your pet’s skin and coat, be sure to check their paws (especially if they are running in the snow) for irritation and cracking.

Use pet-friendly snow melters

Choose pet-friendly ice and snow melters that won’t irritate paws or stomachs, especially if your dog or cat licks its paws after being outside. 

Paw protection

Protect your dog’s paws with a wax product designed to protect their paws that forms a dense, breathable bond, which helps prevent snow buildup during outdoor exercise. After walks, wipe away any snow or ice from your dog’s feet, legs and belly.

For extended periods outside, you can purchase boots for your pup’s paws. The first time you put them on your dog, there may be a comical reaction. Some dogs decide they simply can’t move with those things on their feet. Others walk around lifting their feet up exceptionally high like a prancing pony. But don’t worry, it doesn’t take long to get used to the boots! Distract your dog with treats or a fun activity while he is wearing his boots and soon he will forget all about them. You could also try putting socks on your dog before you introduce the booties so he feels comfortable with something on his feet. Make sure the boots don’t fit too tightly so as to cut off the circulation and invite frostbite.

via GIPHY

Be safe and alert when walking at night

Poor weather and decreased daylight may cause limited visibility for drivers at night, so take extra precautions when walking your pets and make sure you use a leash. Nowadays there are all kinds of reflective aids to help drivers see you in the dark. Reflective collars, leashes, harnesses and vests for both you and your dog are great ways to stay visible.

When we walk Rooney at night, we are always sure to remain as visible as possible. We prefer to use reflective leashes and collars. I would also add that it is important to be very visible in the early morning hours as well. Specifically during the colder months when most people’s windows are still frosted.

Coat or no coat?

If you live in a particularly frigid zone, you may want to consider a jacket for an extra layer of warmth for your pup while outside. Cats generally don’t fare well in jackets but dogs who don’t have a ‘double coat’ may benefit from wearing a jacket while outside for their walks. There is a huge variety available, from a simple sweater to a full-blown waterproof jacket with hood. However, do reserve the wearing of such warm apparel only for when you are outside.

Rooney has a few different jackets. One is for the snow that we hope to use on a trip to Tahoe next month. However, we usually stick to a light weight fleece jacket for Rooney’s walks when it’s cold.

Gold Paw Fleece is the perfect solution to keep your dog warm through the Fall/Winter

Provide shelter

Some pets spend a lot of time outside, either by their own choice or by necessity. I used to have a Border Collie whom I would find outside in the worst weather, soaking wet or covered in snow, despite the fact he had several warm cozy places to choose from! His preference was to always be outside, regardless of the weather. No matter what the reason, a warm, dry, cozy shelter is a must for dogs who are outside on their own in frigid temperatures, rain or snow.

Place the shelter out of the wind, under shelter if possible, and up off the ground. Provide some type of bedding; old blankets or even a deep layer of straw will help insulate. It is key to check the bedding in the shelter daily. Wet bedding will only make your pet colder. Fresh water is also necessary and if the water freezes where you live, inexpensive water bowl heaters are available.

In addition to the awesome advice shared by Petcurean, I would like to add two more safety tips that the veterinarians from Trupanion recommended:

Mushrooms

Keep your pets from eating mushrooms that pop up on lawns, under trees, in fields, and on logs. While some won’t make your pet sick, a few are deadly. If your pet accidentally eats one, especially if they seem to have a reaction to it, or you know the mushroom is toxic, go to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Because our winter season is also our rainiest season, many grassy areas in our neighborhood become overrun with mushrooms. On night walks these mushrooms are difficult to see, therefore, I am diligent about where Rooney sniffs at that time.

Car coolants

It’s important to note that our cars leak substances that can be highlight toxic to pets. Specifically, coolant and antifreeze are highly toxic to pets. Trupanion recommends cleaning up any spills immediately, keep any remaining new coolant or antifreeze out of reach, and dispose of used coolant or antifreeze. Additionally, multiple sources urge you to consider switching to a propylene glycol-based coolant or antifreeze — while not completely nontoxic, it’s significantly less toxic than other engine coolants.

Winter Health for Pets

Keep them inside

Lastly, if it is cold enough outside that YOU don’t want to be out in it, you should assume the same for your pet, especially the very old, the very young, or the sick. Keep them inside with you.

How do you know when it’s too cold outside for your pet? PetMD recommends assessing multiple factors before taking your pets outside:

  • Coat Type
  • Coat Color
  • Size
  • Weight
  • Conditioning
  • Age & Health
  • Windchill
  • Dampness Outside
  • Cloud Cover
  • Activity

Each of the above factors change whether your dog should be outside on specific days. If you aren’t sure, check with your veterinarian. Many veterinarians even offer guidelines you can reference for extreme whether. For reference, I want to share with you this chart from PetPlan pet insurance:

14 Ways to Prepare Your Pet for Winter

Indoor Exercise

One of the biggest challenges for both humans and pets is the decrease in exercise we all experience in the winter. Most of the year we spend time outside with our pets in the form of daily walks, hikes, runs, or even visits to the park. Unfortunately, extreme weather can really damage this routine. A few extra pounds on your pet in the winter may not seem too bad, but can be very difficult to loose and cause strain on your pet’s joints. A few years ago I wrote a post for the Guild of Collies & Shepherds titled Top 5 Indoor Activities for Your Athletic Dog. Here, I outline 5 different ways you can provide your dog with exercise without having to leave the house. These activities can help you battle winter blues and extra pounds on your pet.

Allergies

Trupanion recommends checking your pet for signs of allergies this time of year and I must agree. Rooney has been very itchy this whole week and I have managing his allergies to keep him from getting hot spots or each infections.

Just like people who have seasonal allergies, your cat or dog may also react to pollen, dust, or other allergens. Pet allergy symptoms can be similar to ours — sneezing or coughing, runny nose, itchy skin, ear infection, and itchy, red, or watery eyes. If you think your pet might be suffering from allergies, call your veterinarian to discuss testing and treatment plans best suited for your pet’s needs.

If your dog is new to you and you aren’t sure if your pet has the wonderful gift of allergies yet (that’s joke of course, allergies can be miserable), Trupanion outlined the 12 Dog Breeds Most Prone to Allergies:

Top 12 Dog Breeds Most Prone to Allergies

  • English Bulldog
  • French Bulldog
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • American Bulldog
  • Basset Hound
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • American Pit bull Terrier
  • Shiba Inu
  • Bichon Frise
  • Boston Terrier
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Yorkiepoo

The flu season is not just for humans

Canine flu and bordetella, or “kennel cough,” are both airborne diseases. If you see a dog that is coughing, keep your own dog away and avoid cross contamination. If your dog develops a cough or high fever, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Additionally, make sure that your dog is up to date on their bordetella vaccine. So many pets are boarded during this time of year, which can increase exposure.

Winter Happiness for Pets

Show them extra love with Tasty Treats

The holidays are all about showing love and appreciation so give your cat or dog some extra belly rubs and treats to make up for the chilly weather and any cold shoulders you may receive due to holiday travel. Petcurean’s SPIKE treats for dogs are great because their packed with superfoods like Chia Seeds, Pomegranate and Kale, plus they’re portable. For Cats, try Petcurean’s new NOW FRESH Stews and Pates, you can feed these as a complete meal, but they’re also perfect as a topper or served as an extra treat. Added bonus – they’re made with 100% human grade, fresh ingredients including turkey bone broth, sweet potatoes, peas and carrots, and feature zero grains, gluten, wheat, beef, corn or soy.

We reviewed the new NOW FRESH Stews last month, and I can’t say enough how much Rooney loves these things! We even used them as an extra treat to get him used to his CleverPet Smart puzzle. You can read more about that here.

SPIKE Treats Stocking Stuffers with Petcurean

Spend Extra Time Training & Grooming

I would add that the winter can provide an opportunity to spend quality time with your pet. While you may feel a bit stir crazy at times, chances are your pet is feeling the same way. Take this as an opportunity to practice training and basic commands. Training your pet can strengthen your bond and provide your pet with a challenge.

Additionally, if your pet doesn’t mind a little grooming, take the time to brush them thoroughly and perhaps give them a bath and trim their nails. When Rooney wants additional attention, I use that as an opportunity to spend time with him and brush him (with treats of course).

We would love to hear how you are preparing your pets for the winter season! What precautions do you take? Do you make any changes to your routine? Let us know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: I am a Petcurean blogger advocate. I was provided with food and compensation so that Rooney and I could provide our honest opinion. However, Petcurean is the food we feed Rooney every day and My Kid Has Paws only shares reviews we believe benefit our readers.

Main Photo Credit from Unsplash:

Kate

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17 Comment

  1. Reply
    Bunny
    January 3, 2018 at 7:39 am

    These are such good tips. Antifreeze and salt melt are causing so many emergencies at vets. It is sad to watch a pet that was brought in too late, suffer from the antifreeze. The salt that is used to melt the snow can burn and blister paws. I know most dogs do not like boots but they are sometimes really needed especially if you live in the city or your dog is a service dog.
    Carma loved her boots and socks. I don’t like hard bottom boots to the risk of sprained ankles but the proper fit can stop that.

    Many people think that dogs can stay out as long as they want in snow but if the pet is mainly inside, their feet can as tender as ours.

  2. Reply
    Amelia Johnson
    January 3, 2018 at 8:46 am

    Gusto is an American Eskimo that loves the cold weather. We do use a humidifier now that it is winter. He also gets paw protection added to his pads to protect against the ice and chemicals. This is a very informative post. Thank you.

  3. Reply
    Tenacious Little Terrier
    January 3, 2018 at 10:06 am

    Mr. N got a light up leash for Christmas and now he’s so bright for our night walks! He gets a lot of comments. In the winter time, he pretty much lives in coats and sweaters. It’s not super cold here but it is wet.

  4. Reply
    Heather Wallace, Bridle & Bone
    January 3, 2018 at 10:58 am

    Thorough and fantastic post that I will definitely be sharing on my business page. Personally, my dogs are what we equestrians call “easy keepers”. They do not need any special accommodations for the winter. I did buy coats for them a few years ago, but I admit they may have worn them once when it was -15 degrees outside. Even then, I’m not sure they needed it for a quick pee. The worry I generally have is pulled muscles from potential slipping on the ice. I craft and sell a paw soother/ protector (my Healing Salve) through Bridle & Bone Wellness, so if I need to I put a little on the boys.

  5. Reply
    Robbi Hess
    January 3, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    I love the “how cold is too cold” info graphic. Also, we just got a humidifier because everyone was getting shocked!

  6. Reply
    Jana
    January 3, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    I kind of have to laugh at the temperature infographic. I can appreciate why it’s done this way but around here, that means we couldn’t get outside in the winter at all! Anything at -20 degrees Celsius or warmer is good enough where we live. Only when it gets colder than that we have to start being careful.

  7. Reply
    Lori
    January 3, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    An excellent compilation of tips for cold weather. Perfect timing, as the temperature is in the single digits.

  8. Reply
    Jill
    January 3, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    Great tips! It is funny my girl seems to have no issues with the cold at all. It has been under 10 degrees here for like a week and all she wants to do is be outside. My husband insists she needs a coat — I am like ya’ OK — see her doing zoomies…..she don’t need no coat! But I do realize I have to be the parent and bring her in so I only let her out a few minutes at a time……

  9. Reply
    Irene McHugh
    January 3, 2018 at 6:12 pm

    Thorough coverage of winter tips here. In Tucson, our winters are super mild, but even we love the humidifier. Not only does it help the Doodles’ throats, coats, and paws, it helps my skin too! I can tell when I haven’t refilled the humidifier because my skin will start getting dry.

  10. Reply
    Beth
    January 3, 2018 at 7:08 pm

    It gets really cold here in Central New York. We don’t go for long walks if it is really cold or icy. I used to let my Maltese grow her fur out in the winter, thinking it was giving her extra protection from the cold. However, the groomer explained to me that long hair was actually acting like a sponge drawing up more moisture and staying wet longer. Both she and my Puggle mix seem to appreciate a warm coat on cold days, but my American Eskimo mix does not! My dogs appreciate treats and good food all year round!
    Beth recently posted…Puppy Love: Opal the Border Collie-Australian Shepherd MixMy Profile

  11. Reply
    Sandy Kubillus
    January 3, 2018 at 7:41 pm

    I think the most important thing is to listen to your dog. If he is hanging around the door while you shovel the snow, let him in. Some dogs tolerate, even love the snow, much more than others. Also, watch out for snowballs developing not only on their paws but under their armpits, their but, anywhere on their fur. You may have to bring in your dog to melt!

  12. Reply
    Chirpy Cats
    January 3, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    Our cats have access to a catio which they have limited access to, weather permitting. Since we are in the deep freeze right now, the catio is shut. We provide pre-supper interactive play to prevent boredom and putting on uneccessary weight over winter.
    We also tap on the hood of the car to waken any outdoor kitty that may have fallen asleep there to seek warmth.
    These are great tips for keeping pets safe in winter, thanks for sharing!

  13. Reply
    The Dash Kitten Crew
    January 3, 2018 at 10:19 pm

    Well done with the straightforward approach to the coat. I am always amazed by the dressing up cuteness I see on blogs (my cats would kill me). Cats will wear jumpers often, especially in chillier areas and, like the coat you show, the measure is a practical health one not something that makes a dog look foolish.

    We don’t get winter here (New Zealand just goes greyer…) but your post set me thing about pet health and winter safety a bigger way.

  14. Reply
    Debbie
    January 4, 2018 at 2:59 am

    These are great tips! We hike and keep active outdoors year round, so we always have to be prepared. All of our dogs have multiple jackets, and base layers too for extra cold, windy days. And we swear by mushers secret. Our pups aren’t big fans of boots, but paw wax is easy and provides plenty of protection where we live (not a lot of snow). Happy Winter. Stay warm

  15. Reply
    Sandra Townsend
    January 4, 2018 at 4:39 am

    Hey this is the post I should write! We’ve had several days of below zero temps and the dogs are bouncing off the walls because it’s too cold for walks. I think every dog is different. I usually see people putting coats on their dogs that aren’t really needed. But when the temps hit the low teens we ventured out yesterday. Both dogs had fleeces on and Dolly boots. Dolly’s paws can’t handle the salt and cold at all. Taffy, with lots of fur, doesn’t seem to notice. Every dog is different but at the temps we’ve been having you shouldn’t be outside with them. Sandra and Dolly

  16. Reply
    Tiana
    January 4, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    What a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing these tips with your readers. My own pup, Pinella, loves the cold weather, but one thing that I’ve found that is especially important is to be aware of the dog’s behavior. Last winter I would take her for our daily walks together and wonder why she would fight me to walk in the cold snow…then it hit me! Duh, the salt! If she has the choice between walking in the fluffy snow or walking on the salt-covered sidewalk, she’ll pick the fluffy snow (I can’t say I blame her). Having been heavily trained to loose leash walk right by my side, I had to learn to let her walk where she’s most comfortable in this instance!

  17. These are truly helpful and informative tips – and they come with a great infographic to boot! I’ve learned of so many vet emergencies due to antifreeze and salt melt. For our pups that refuse to wear boots we get little dog waterproof socks, they work really well. Will share!

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