How To Keep Pets Warm During the Winter

by Jeaninne Carreon December 13, 2023

The cold weather is here, and knowing how to keep pets warm during the winter is important!

As the winter weather sets in, our pets rely on us for extra warmth and comfort.

Pet owners wrap up with warm clothes and cosy blankets, and our Fluffy Friends need a little extra care during the colder months, too.

Whether you have a playful pup or a cuddly cat, ensuring their well-being is top priority.

In this blog post, we'll share some easy and practical tips on how to keep your pets snug.

From creating cosy spaces to choosing the right winter gear, we're here to help!

Let's ensure your Fluffy Friends stay happy and warm all winter.

How Can Winter Affect Our Pets?

What are the effects of cold temperatures on our pets?

Seeking for Warmth

Our pets look for heat during colder months.

They usually lie on their warm pet beds, carpets, or mattresses rather than cold floors.

Some pets even like spending winter mornings curled under extra blankets instead of running outside like usual!

Still, you must ensure they’re not too close to heaters or open fires.

This is to avoid dry skin, overheating, or burns.

Also, outdoor cats may climb atop car engines to find warmth.

Make sure to check where your pets are to avoid accidents.

Appetite Increase

Wintertime may bring on an increase in your pet's appetite.

This is because, in colder weather, they require more energy to maintain their core body temperature.

If your pet is inactive, ask your veterinarian about how much food to give them without making them gain weight.

Skin Issues

An outdoor dog that experiences damp winter weather may be more susceptible to skin diseases.

Rainwater can get caught between their muddy, wet paw pads or fur.

As dog owners, we need to clean their feet using a handy paw cleaner.

Afterwards, our pets need to be dried thoroughly.

Also, cleaning your dog’s feet will get rid of any antifreeze they might have walked on.

Remember that antifreeze is poisonous!

Grooming

During colder temperatures, the majority of dogs and cats grow thicker coats.

While you might think this can help keep them warm, ungroomed fur can be a problem.

Remember that frequent brushing promotes skin health and circulation.

Regular grooming also helps keep cats from getting hairballs and avoids matting and knots.

If you’re unsure how to groom them at home, your best option is a professional groomer.

Rheumatism

The winter months are usually when older pets with arthritis feel their symptoms the worst.

Due to joint pain and stiffness, you might notice they’re not getting up and moving around.

They can also lick at their joints, which is a sign of discomfort.

For continued arthritis management, speak with your vet.

Being kept warm and cosy is especially crucial for these pets.

Related: Can Your Dog Get Allergies?

How Can We Keep Pets Warm During Winter?

Getting ready for winter with your pet is just the first step towards keeping them warm.

Here are some ways to help you prepare:

Don’t Spend Too Much Time Outdoors

The longer you spend outside with your pet, the greater the chance of injuries.

The cold ground is wet and slippery, and your pet might also get into an accident.

Keep an eye out for frostbite symptoms on a dog’s paws, especially if they're barefoot in the snow.

These symptoms may be:

Discomfort
Blisters
Swelling
Ulcers
Skin discoloration (bluish, grey, or pale)
Brittle paws

Also, cold days put them at risk of hypothermia.

Here are the symptoms:

Whining
Anxiousness
Shivering
Weakness

Take your pet to the vet if you observe these signs of mild hypothermia.

Warm Clothes

Every time you go for a stroll with your pet, have them wear winter gear.

A lot of pet stores have dog jackets and cute pants.

Even if there isn't any snow on the ground, snow booties are essential for keeping them warm.

While booties can shield your dog's feet, don’t forget to wash and dry their paws.

Give Them Warm Shelter

In the winter, even an outdoor pet needs a comfortable shelter to escape the cold.

If your pet sleeps outside at night, they need a warm place filled with cosy blankets.

For added warmth, a hot water bottle covered in pet safe material helps.

Also, make sure to have fresh water and food available in their shelter.

You might want to keep them indoors so you can also keep an eye on them.

Keep Your Pets Active

Winter exercise is still necessary!

If getting outside exercise is not an option, there are plenty of ways to keep them active!

Try hide-and-seek games, trick training, or food puzzles.

Related: Tips for Pet Surgery Aftercare

Final Thoughts

Keeping your furry family members warm during the winter is very important!

We need to emphasise a few key points:

First and foremost, providing shelter is essential.

Ensure that your pets have a warm and safe place to go to.

Second, monitor your pet's behaviour and adjust their outdoor time.

Dogs with thick fur, like Siberian Huskies, may be more tolerant of cold weather.

Still, they can suffer from frostbite or hypothermia in extreme temperatures.

Always keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust your outdoor activities.

Lastly, remember that nutrition plays a role in keeping pets warm.

Provide them with a well-balanced diet.

Ensure that they stay hydrated to help maintain their body temperature.

Conclusion

Keeping our beloved pets warm during the cold winter months is an act of love and responsibility.

As pet owners, we must protect our furry companions from the harsh winter.

By following these guidelines, you can help them enjoy a safe and cosy winter season.

The effort we put in giving our pets additional warmth during winter is our way to ensure their happiness and well-being!

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Here are some useful products in relation to this blog post:

MrFluffyFriend - Anxiety Relieving Pet Bed

MrFluffyFriend - Anxiety Relieving Fluffy Pet Blanket

MrFluffyFriend - Paw Cleaner

MrFluffyFriend - 2-in-1 Grooming Brush

MrFluffyFriend - Carrot Snuffle Toy