Pet Protection in Freezing Weather

Have you ever heard "if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet?"  There is more to protecting a pet from cold weather than just determining if you personally need a coat or sweater.  Fur length could be a factor, but long hair does not necessarily mean they cannot get cold.  Check out the tips below for suggestions to keep your pet safe and protected during freezing weather.

Pet Protection Tips for Freezing Weather:

• Its cold outside!  Leave pets at home when you go out, because cars can get cold quickly once turned off.  You would not leave them in hot car in the summer, so practice the same compassion in the cold of winter.
• Watch what pets consume with outside or in the garage.  Snow or ice may have chemicals added to prevent freezing that may harm pets.  Also pets are attracted to sweet smell of anti-freeze so they may try to lick up spillage on driveway or garage floor of this poisonous substance.
• When you go out for walks or "potty breaks," be sure pet is on leash so they cannot get lost.  Wear reflective clothing and have reflective leash and collar with tags on pets.  Protect pet's feet and body too.  Buy Dog Booties or Cat Booties that will keep salt and wet off their paws, and prevent snow or ice getting between toes.  If no booties, use petroleum jelly to insulate and make paw care and clean-up easier once back in the house.  Consider using pet sweater or coats for short hair or older pets to keep their bodies warm and dry.  If you need a coat to stay warm, pets probably do too if you will be outside more then 10 -15 minutes.
• Stock up on food, water, and medicine for your pet, in case of bad weather or power outages.  You should gear up with supplies for your pet as well as yourself, in case bad weather keeps you home. 
• Monitor winter food intake.  Inside pets typically need less calories since they get less exercise, so do not let them get too fat.  Outside pets may need more calories to build body insulation as creating their own heat uses up calories..
• Shelter pets appropriately.  Create potential shelters for outside cats, by proving insulated, waterproof boxes turned upside down with a small hole for entry.  Dog houses should have floors off-the ground to prevent  heat loss and a off-to-one-side door covering made from burlap for easy entry and wind blockage.  The off-center door also allows them to huddle in corner furthest from opening.  Providing extra insulation with carpet on the walls of houses or shelter is helpful too.  So pets may cover-up as needed whether in a shelter or a bed - blankets, light rugs. or towels are a must   If major storms or high winds are expected and temperature will remain above freezing (32 degrees), consider bringing pets into garage.  In below freezing temperatures, pets should be brought into house.
• When playing outside with pets, watch for hypothermia and frostbite in them.  Treat appropriately and contact vet if necessary.
• Do not let pets out alone, as you need to watch pets around deep snow or frozen water.  They can easily get lost since their sense of smell may be blocked by the snow.  They can also fall through the ice into freezing water and be unable to get out.  
• Before you start your car, honk the horn!  This will alert cats or other animals that may be hidden in engine or wheel wells to keep warm.  

Warning:  Do NOT use space heaters, heat lamps, or strings of lights outdoors or inside garages to provide warmth for  pets.  Pets may not know if they are too close and may get burns, so watch them around fireplaces too.  Also these electrical can get knocked over or broken by wind or pets, which  might start a fire that can hurt your pet and even spread to your home.