Baby, it's cold outside: winter weather pet tips

It’s getting really chilly out, and that means we’re all bundling up in thick sweaters, heavy coats, and warm boots. But what are we doing for our pets? Are they ready for the bitter cold that will hang over New England for the next several months just because they’re wearing fur coats?

Believe it or not, your dog might actually need a sweater. While many people tend to think of dog clothing as being limited to small breeds, such as Chihuahuas, even large breed dogs may need a little extra help staying warm when the temperature drops. If your dog has short hair, like a Greyhound, a coat will make them a lot more comfortable during the winter months. Even at the shelter we make sure to bundle our shorthaired dogs in coats before volunteers take them on walks.

The cold, snow, and ice often take their toll on dog’s feet, so be sure to wipe your pet’s paws after every outdoor adventure. Cleaning your pet’s paws will remove painful snow and ice buildup as well as prevent them from licking off any salt or antifreeze – both of which are toxic to pets. As an added measure of safety, be sure to use pet-safe salt on driveways and walkways.

Although dog boots do exist to help protect your pet’s feet on winter walks, another option is Musher’s Secret Wax. Originally designed for sled dogs, Musher’s Secret Wax is like an invisible boot. Made of a blend of natural, food-safe waxes, Musher’s Secret Wax is a safe, non-toxic way to protect your pet from salt, ice, and rough terrain. To learn more about Musher’s Secret Wax, visit their website at www.musherssecretwax.com. 

Remember, your pets are accustomed to the warmth of the indoors, too, so don’t leave them outside with the assumption that they’ll adjust to the colder weather. If you’re too cold to be outdoors, your pet is, too! Animals left outside will try to find someplace warm and, for cats, one of the easiest places to curl up is your car engine. Cats caught in moving engines can easily be killed, so make sure you rap on the hood of your car or honk your horn before turning your car on.

Just like people, pets are susceptible to frost bite. And, like a scene straight from A Christmas Story, their tongues can, in fact, freeze to their metal water dishes. Whenever your pet is going to be outside, remember to offer them a warm, dry area where they can escape the wind and elements. Plastic water bowls are a safer alternative to metal, but remember to check them often to make sure the water has not frozen solid.

Have fun this winter with your pet and remember to be safe and keep warm!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, Maine, with two parrots, a cat, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org