How To Keep Pets Safe And Warm During Cold Weather

Just because they have fur coats doesn't mean all dogs and cats are built for the cold.

Pet owners should keep an eye on their animals during extreme weather conditions because, like humans, they can have hypothermia.

Here's some tips to keep your four-legged loved ones safe and happy even as the temperature drops:

  • Keep cats inside and only take dogs out to relieve themselves when the weather is extremely cold.
  • If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them. While some dog breeds (like huskies and St. Bernards) will happily play in the snow, pets should not be kept outside at night or for any long periods of time.
  • Keep your pet's bed in a warm and dry area inside the house.
  • Make sure they have fresh, not frozen, water.
  • Remove snow and salt from your pet's paws after returning from outside. Ice and chemicals used to keep the ground from freezing can irritate their paw pads.
  • Know the signs of hypothermia. They are shivering, lethargy, stiff muscles, pale or gray gums, lack of coordination, dilated pupils, low heart rate.


Photo: Getty Images


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