Preparing Your Pet for Cold Weather

December 14, 2015

by Morgan Clark

At the beginning of December, winter is already in full swing. With temperatures rapidly dropping into freezing, our furry friends can suffer just as much as us. Older animals, especially those with arthritis, can suffer stiffness and pain in the colder months. Even though cats, dogs, and other pets have fur, it doesn't protect them completely from the cold. As their loving owners, we need to take steps to ensure that they are warm and safe.

Keep pets inside

Make sure you keep your pets inside during winter months when the night-time temperature gets into the forties. You wouldn't want to sleep outside in the cold, so don't make your pet do it. Pets should be at the very least inside at night to sleep, which can have other benefits as well.

Cats who are usually allowed outside should be given a litter box – at least one box per cat – so they can avoid going outside into the cold. Give them a nice bed or pillow to sleep on in a warm location around the house. There are even heated cat beds that stay at a perfectly cozy temperature for your cat to enjoy and keep warm on.

Be aware of your home's temperature during the day if you are out of the house. If you keep the whole house heat off during the day, consider a space heater in a single room that your pet can go to during the day to stay warm. Be careful with these as well; some space heaters are overpowered and may make a room uncomfortably hot. Aim for a consistent room temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Garages and basements do not count as “indoors”. They are often poorly insulated and match the temperature of the outside. They can also be damp, increasing your pets discomfort and potential to get sick.

If pets must stay outside, make sure they have a warm space

Dog houses should be raised to prevent flooding and contact with the cold ground. There should be proper insulation all around the house as well as a soft place to lie down. The house should be big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around, but not much larger, as significant open space within a dog house can release heat rather than keep it in. The dog house should be free and clear from any snow or rain, preferably under an awning or patio covering.

Clothing

Cute sweaters aren't just for looks, especially for short-haired dogs. Make sure your dogs are properly dressed, especially if you have to take them outside. Sweaters, jackets, or wind-breakers are good options to keep dogs warm, but cat owners know that getting an excited feline into a sweater is easier said then done.

If you have to take your dog outside to use the bathroom, paw protectors are an excellent way to keep her paws from freezing to the ground or becoming irritated from road salt.

It seems like winter comes sooner and sooner every year, so be sure you're ready to protect your pet from the cold. Be aware of how your living arrangement and schedule affect your pet and make sure they stay at a comfortable temperature so they can stay healthy and happy to see you when you walk in the door.