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Staying Snug: Your Ultimate Winter Pet Care Checklist
Winter’s chill affects our pets, too, and it’s easy to forget just how much they rely on us to stay warm. That sweet, furry face snuggled up by the fire might seem tough, but they’re just as vulnerable to the cold as we are. To keep your best friend happy and healthy all season long, here are some important tips.
Winter wellness starts now
- Pre-winter vet visit. Schedule a wellness check-up to ensure your pet is ready for the cold. Your vet can flag any underlying health issues that might make winter tougher on them.
Inside is best
- Embrace the indoors. When the temperature drops, keep your pets inside. If you have to take them out, go with them and keep it brief. If you’re ready to go in, they likely are too!
- Protect outdoor pets. If you absolutely can’t bring them inside, create a safe, wind-proof shelter with insulating bedding like hay.
- A cozy space. Provide extra bedding in a warm spot, away from drafts. For elderly or arthritic pets, a soft, thick bed is essential for their tender joints.
Beware of hidden dangers
- Knock before you start the car. Cats love the warmth of a car engine in cold weather. Before starting your car, give the hood a good rap to wake up any hidden hitchhikers.
- Fireplace and heater safety. Keep pets at a safe distance from heaters and fireplaces. A curious tail or paw can easily get burned or cause a fire.
- Watch for carbon monoxide. Since pets spend most of their time inside, they are at higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Have your furnace checked and be aware of symptoms like fatigue and breathing trouble.
Protect those paws
- Wipe feet after every walk. Rock salt and ice can irritate and dry out your pet’s paws. Wipe their feet clean to protect their sensitive pads.
- Paw protection. Consider pet-safe booties or a protective balm for extra chilly walks.
Mind their hydration
- Fresh water is a must. Don’t let your pet’s water bowl freeze. Frozen water can lead to dehydration.
- Clean up spills. Antifreeze and other chemicals are highly toxic. Clean up any spills immediately and prevent your pet from drinking from puddles.
Recognize the signs
- Learn their language. Your pet will tell you when they’re cold. Look for shivering, burrowing, whining, or general slowness.
- Watch for frostbite and hypothermia. If you suspect either, get them warm and see a vet immediately.
We provide Daily Dog Walking and Vacation Pet Sitting for domestic, exotic and farm animals the following areas of Charlotte: The Arboretum, Ballantyne, Brandon Oaks, Concord, Harrisburg, Hemby Bridge, Highland Creek, Northeast/Southeast Charlotte, NC, Indian Land, Kannapolis, Lake Park, Marvin, Matthews, Mint Hill, Monroe, Providence Estates East, Providence Plantation, Provincetowne, Stallings, Waxhaw, Weddington, and Wesley Chapel.
