Winter is approaching quickly. What should you do to keep your pet warm?

Although a lot of us pet lovers choose to keep our pets indoors where it is nice and cozy, sometimes the pups just have to stay outside.  Many people believe that because pets have fur that they cannot become hypothermic or get frost bite, but this is definitely not true. The normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 99.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit and when their body temp drops way below this, hypothermia is possible. Here are some important tips for keeping your pet safe and warm this winter:

• To help keep your pet warm, bring him into the garage or basement that has lots of blankets or get a dog house or shed with good insulation and one that is waterproof. A thick layer of hay covered by blankets is a good way to add insulation and there should be a piece of thick plastic covering the entrance of the dog house to block heavy winds. Be sure to check blankets often to make sure they have not become wet and frozen. If your pet is very young, old, thin or sick, they are especially in need of keeping warm and need the most protection.
• If you feed and give water to your outdoor pets in stainless steel bowls, it is a good idea to use plastic bowls in the winter time because they tend not to get as cold or frozen as easily.
• If you find that your pet is acting a little more hungry in the winter time this is because more food adds more “fuel” that helps keep them warm so be sure that they have a hardy helping of food when winter strikes.
• Pets should have a comfortable and clean, dry shelter to stay in especially if your pet spends the majority of its time outdoors.
• Check to make sure your shelter for your pet does not have any leaks and that falling rain cannot splash inside of the dry shelter.  It is important to place it in an area where water does not accumulate.  Bottom line, keep your pet high and dry!
• Continuous rain will usually decrease the frequency of your important walks with your dog. In order to compensate for less outdoor time, play with your pet more indoors either chasing a ball or playing tug of war just to get your pet the exercise he’s used to.
• Pets should always have access to adequate shelter and under no circumstance should you leave your pet tied up in the rain.

• Should there be an emergency you must have an escape or evacuation plan mapped out for your pets.  Prepare a first-aid kit for your pets in case they become wounded and never abandon them during a disaster.