Winter is headed our way, let’s talk about winter safety! If you haven’t visited your veterinarian lately now is a good time. Cold wet weather can bring on some aches and pains for your animals (you too!). It is time to get on top of any issues so they don’t exasperate when temperatures drop. Animal aromatherapy and pet massage can be a big help with achy muscles and joints too! Keep warm!
Winter Safety Tips:
- Cold pavement! Depending on your dog’s breed, coat, age and comfort level in the cold, you might need to invest in some dog booties for the snowy icy pavement. Make sure your shoes are up to the ice too, if you slip you might startle your pup.
- Cold cars! Please do not leave your pet in the car for long periods of time. Cold is a better than hot temperatures, but we want to keep our pet’s comfort and safety in mind. Udon and Soba love school drop off and it helps with socialization but we are home shortly after and they aren’t in the cold for too long.
- Hydration! Are you drinking enough? Is your fur bestie? Keep fresh water on your outings and in your yard make sure the water hasn’t frozen over. Fresh clean water is a must at all times!
- Outside fun! Cold can be just as dangerous as hot weather. Allow your pet to come inside to warm up when needed. If you are cold, your pet is cold, especially cats and dogs with short fur. If you have a northern breed, you might have a hard time getting them back inside.
- Identification! Does your fur bestie have his/her name on their collar? Are phone numbers up to date? Do you have all the state-required licensing up to date? If not, time to get those tags updated!
- Leash up! Yes, I understand your dog may be the most well behaved and loved in the neighborhood. Not all dogs are as happy or friendly. We are in an era where a lot of dogs have not been properly socialized due to COVID. Please give those dogs their space, they are learning. One bad reaction can lead to a lot of training or worse for owners.
- Indoor review! For everyone who celebrates holidays, make sure your trees, ornaments, stockings, and other fun things are out of reach of curious pets. When putting up our tree, we just put the tree up for a week to desensitize the animals to it before all the fun sparkly ornaments go up. This keeps the curious kitties from being overly curious.
Happy Winter and all the joy (or not) that it brings. It has been rainy and blah here. Udon gives me a side eye when I tell him to go potty in the rain. (insert eye roll) Soba on the other hand will stand in the rain forever picking the best spot. The cats, well they have been wanting to play with ornaments on the tree. I think it might be time for a new cat tree with some catnip. What do you do to keep your fur babies enriched and warm during those cold months?