Winter Weather Care For Your Pet – Act Now!
Each new season means taking new precautions with your pet. Now that winter has officially arrived it’s time for pet owners across the country to be on guard against cold weather! While some have been battling arctic blasts for a while, most of the country will experience some brutal weather in January and February. Check out these winter precautions you need to be taking!
Winter Weather Care
- Baths – While many people will equate pet bath time with summer more than winter, they can be just as important! Extra thick fur coats can capture more debris and become more easily matted. Baths are also important to remove salt or other deicing chemicals your animal may come into contact with in cold weather. But what about dry skin?
- Moisturize – In the past baths haven’t been recommended in winter because they can strip your pets already winter-dry skin even more. Be sure that when you wash your pet you are using a moisturizing wash. Consider using a lotion too if needed! Yes, dog lotions exist! You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to their food to help with dry skin!
- Foot care – The pads of dogs feet can be super sensitive to the cold, and again, the salt and chemicals. Consider using booties to cover their feet, or massaging them with petroleum jelly (or other protectant) as a barrier to environmental hazards. Don’t forget to dry your pet’s feet thoroughly once your back inside too!
- Fatten them – Don’t go overboard, but now is no time for diets. A little extra food can help replace all those extra calories they are burning to keep their body temperature up.
- Consider a coat – If your pet has a thin or short fur coat, consider getting them an extra one if you take them out regularly. You don’t wear just the same thing outside as you do inside in the winter, so don’t expect your pet too!