5 Tips for Welcoming Your Pet into Winter

At Deceased Pet Care, we can’t believe 2015 is almost over. The last autumnal leaves have drifted to the frosty ground and the nights are clear and cold. With winter nearly here, Jack Frost could soon be nipping at your pet’s nose (and paws). We put together a quick list of five ways you can make sure your pet receives a warm welcome into this winter.

1: Food Choices

The winter is a unique time when it comes to your pet and food. If you have an indoor pet, the winter usually leads to more laying around. So less food is an option. But if you keep your pet outdoors, they’re always burning extra calories to stay warm. Add an extra half scoop to your pet’s bowl to ensure they have enough energy to keep warm this winter.

2: Salty Dawg

When the cold comes, so do our chemicals to keep the winter at bay. Though these winter standards are normal for us, they can do serious damage to your beloved pet. Make sure to clean out salty snow from your pet’s paws and fur. It can cause extra irritation to your pet’s skin in addition to the regular dryness caused by the cold winter air.

3: Car Care

In the winter our vehicles are both sources of comfort and potentially fatal for your favorite pet. The warmth from a freshly run engine can provide a cat a comfortable place to warm up. Just make sure you give your hood a few taps before cranking up your car. You’ll be glad in case your feline friend decided to nestle down in the engine compartment.

Winter also brings leaking antifreeze. You pet might think the bright fluid is delicious, but once ingested it can prove fatal to your dog or cat. Take extra care to clean up any leaks, and if your pet is behaving strangely including but not limited to: convulsions, drunkenness, or seizures take you pet to the vet immediately.

4: Pet Protection

The cold air means less sweat. Take care to not bathe your pet unless it’s absolutely necessary. Baths during winter months can do more damage than good. Make sure your towel dry your pets to avoid dryness and irritation, use a moisturizing pet shampoo, and add a little petroleum jelly to the pads of their paws and between their toes. Warmth and Moisture are your pets best winter companions.

5: Speaking of Warmth

A great rule of thumb is “if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.” If your pet is outdoors spend at little extra time ensuring they’re well insulated. Invest in a pet jacket or sweater, booties (especially if it snows), and do some research into building the perfect winter-friendly pet home. A fur coat isn’t enough to protect us from the biting winter air, and your pet’s natural coat most likely isn’t enough either.

Winter can be full of wonder, but at Deceased Pet Care, we want to make sure your pet can enjoy the winter weather for seasons to come. What do you think? Do you have any special winter tips for us? Let us know in comments below! Happy Winter!

Image Credit: www.centennialco.gov