Make sure your pets are ready for winter with these 10 tips from the Potter League

Hi folks! Your friend Tuki here on my perch at the Potter League. I’ve heard the staff here saying that because of El Niño we are going to have a warmer winter. I certainly hope that’s true, especially for all the dog walkers here at the Potter League, but I believe in being prepared (just like the Scouts!), so here are some things you can do to keep your furry friends safe during the cold weather.

Support good health

Keeping your pet safe in the cold starts by making sure that they are healthy. Your pet should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year to make sure they are healthy enough to be out in the cold weather.

How cold is too cold?

Just like people, different pets tolerate cold differently. Pets with a longer or thicker coat, like a collie dog, may have a higher tolerance to the cold weather, while a shorter-haired pet, like a chihuahua, may need less time outside when it’s cold. Older pets may have difficulty walking on snow and ice and those with certain diseases have difficulty regulating their temperatures. Consider taking shorter walks or just letting them out in the yard, if yours is fenced, for short potty breaks.

Bundle up

If you have a pet with a shorter coat or fur, a sweater or coat may help keep them warm while outdoors. Have more than one available in case one gets wet. Putting a wet coat on your dog will cool them down more quickly. You can also get boots for your pet to protect their paws.

Enjoy some indoor activities

Just because pets have a natural fur coat does not mean they are more resistant to the cold. Pets can get hypothermia and frostbite just like people. Even if your pet has a higher tolerance for the cold, no pet should be left out in the cold for long periods. If you’re out and about with your pet, don’t leave them in the car. This can be just as dangerous as being left in a hot car during the summer.

Wipe your paws

Dogs and cats can pick up ice-melting pellets or antifreeze on their paws which can be toxic if they lick their paws. Be sure to wipe their bellies after being out in the snow or ice, especially if you have a cat or a low-to-the-ground dog like a dachshund! Check their paws for cracks or other injuries caused by walking on snow and ice. Trimming the fur between their toes can help limit ice accumulation on their paws and rubbing petroleum jelly into their paw pads can help protect them from ice-melting pellets and other chemicals.

Home for the holidays

Be sure that your pet has a collar with an updated identification tag and a microchip in case it gets lost. Pets that normally have no difficulty finding their way home may get lost because snow and ice can hide the scents that typically help them find their way.

Get pet-proofed

Make sure your house is pet-proofed for the winter. If you have space heaters, put them where they cannot be knocked over and don’t place them near where your pet sleeps because contact with them can cause burns. If you have a pet bird, be sure to keep their cage away from drafty areas. Have your heating system checked and install carbon monoxide detectors. This helps keep both animal and human family members safe! Be prepared for storms and power outages by keeping a supply of food, water and any needed medications on hand for both you and your pet.

Walking on thin ice

Be careful when walking your dog near water, like ponds and streams. The surface may look frozen but may not be strong enough to hold your pet’s weight causing them to fall through. And if you try and save them, which most pet owners are likely to do, you could both be in danger.

Be a good neighbor

If there are outdoor animals that you care for in your neighborhood, provide shelter for them. A plastic storage bin on its side or a thick cardboard box lined with a warm blanket can provide shelter for a cat or two. Keep the shelter in a spot away from the wind and leave out small amounts of food and water regularly.

See the signs

If your pet starts shivering, whining or looking for a place to burrow when they are outside, these are signs of hypothermia, and you should get your pet inside quickly. Frostbite may cause discoloration, blisters, and pain to the touch in the affected area. If you think your pet may have hypothermia or frostbite, contact your veterinarian immediately.

I hope these tips help you ensure the well-being of your furry friends during the winter season. Wishing you and your pets a safe and joyful holiday season!

Your friend, Tuki

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Potter League for Animals offers tips to prepare dogs, cats for winter