Here Comes the Cold: Tips for Winterizing Your Pets

"Snow Angel" by VanillaExtinction on Etsy

Ready or not, here comes winter! For some of us (for instance, those of us in Southern California, who are expecting 80 degree weather today) this may not seem like much of a concern, but for others, practicing responsible winterizing could mean life or death to your animals. Unfortunately, hundreds of pets freeze to death each year in the U.S. Let's make sure yours isn't one of them with these tips on how to keep your pets safe from the elements this holiday season.

In the winter, it's best to keep pets inside.

Once temperatures have dropped to around 30 degrees (with or without windchill) all pets should be brought indoors. Even though they have fur coats, the cold affects them the same way it would a human. Your pets can get frostbite on their feet, their noses and ears, and their tails. 

I personally don't feel that any pet should solely live outdoors. When you bring home a dog, you're not bringing home a lawn ornament- you're bringing home a living, breathing thing that craves companionship. A backyard existence is a sad and lonely existence. That being said, I know there are people out there that refuse to bring their animals inside, no matter what. To them I say, maybe a dog isn't the right pet for you. But then I get off my high horse, and say, if you do have outdoor only dogs, be sure you have a place for them to get away from the elements. 

If you absolutely cannot bring your pets inside...

Pets who are staying outdoors in the winter need a raised, well insulated house with clean, dry bedding, that provides shelter from the outside. If you have more than one dog, make sure that the shelter is large enough to fit as many dogs as you have, curled up together to maintain body heat. They don't need room to move around in their shelter, it's solely to provide them with warmth and weather protection, and a small shelter promotes body heat retention. If it gets very cold where you live, there should be some sort of heating element attached to your dog's shelter. The shelter should also have a flap over the doorway to keep the weather out. 

Keep your outdoor pets very well fed in the winter. It takes more calories to keep a dog warm, and a little bit of blubber never hurt an Eskimo- am I right? On the other side of that coin, pets who have been moved indoors for the winter generally require less food as their activities become more limited.

Can I get a little help here?

High Collar Sweater by BeantownHandmade on Etsy

Some dogs benefit greatly from a little external insulation assistance in the winter. Sweaters and coats are a good option for short haired or lean dogs that can't keep themselves warm. Consider fleece for warmth, and possibly an overcoat to keep them dry. 

Warm Winter Dog Coat by CozyHorse on Etsy

Older dogs can benefit from winter wear as well as very small dogs. Pets with arthritis should especially be kept away from the cold in the winter. Our shop, as well as many other shops on Etsy offer affordable winter protection for your pets.

How about those brisk winter walks?

When taking your pet for a walk, be sure to thoroughly clean off their feet, legs, and underbellies. Solvents used to melt ice, as well as anti-freeze and many winter products can be dangerous or even fatal when ingested by your pets. And we know how our pets love to lick themselves.  Also, if you live somewhere where the temperature gets below freezing, consider outfitting your pet with a pair of cold weather booties.

Is there anything else I can do?

Try using pet friendly anti-freeze. 

When you get ready to drive anywhere, be sure to check and make sure no cats have crawled up into your engine for a warm bed. Bang on the hood or honk your horn to scare them out. (Before you start the car, please!)

Never, ever leave your dog in the car in extreme cold weather. It works just like the green house effect. The cold is greatly amplified, and your pet can freeze to death.

If you live in an area where greenery altogether disappears for the winter, consider leaving food out for your local wildlife population. (Of course, at a safe distance from your home.)

Keep your local vet's phone number on hand, in case of incident.