Keeping Your Pets Warm This Winter

The rainy season is upon us and for us Southern Californians, it is getting cold!

It is important to make sure your pets are warm and dry during the winter. Keep them safe, warm and happy with these tips:

• 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.

Warm winters are easier on pets

For all you snow lovers, this winter may be a somewhat of a bummer.  However, your pets may be enjoying this mild winter just fine.  Harsh and cold winters can produce threats for pets.  Some winter dangers are harmful to both humans and pets, while others such as road salt getting stuck between the pads of your dogs feet pertain solely to pets.

Even though their wild ancestors were well adapted to the outdoors, domesticated cats and dogs are used to regular indoor climates. This makes them just as vulnerable as humans are when they experience severe winter storms.  Exposure to cold temperatures during snow storms and below zero wind chills can cause hypothermia, frost bite, dehydration, lethargy, arthritis pain and the chance of catching a cold.

With colder outdoor temperatures, there is less opportunity to exercise which can dampen their mood while also increasing their weight level.  In 2009 a survey in the United Kingdom found pets, just like humans, can be susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

In order to avoid any harm to your pets, ensure they are kept indoors during winter weather and make sure to take advantage of warm days and keep your pets busy with activities to avoid boredom.

A good rule of thumb is if you are cold, most likely your pet is too.