{"id":477,"date":"2022-12-07T15:30:06","date_gmt":"2022-12-07T20:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=477"},"modified":"2022-12-07T15:30:07","modified_gmt":"2022-12-07T20:30:07","slug":"how-to-keep-your-pets-safe-during-the-winter-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-pets-safe-during-the-winter-months\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Winter Months"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Dog<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Winter is here, and with it comes the cold and snow. While we can’t change the weather, we can ensure our pets are safe, warm, and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to keep your furry friend safe and warm when the weather turns cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Don’t Leave Your Pet Outside for Long Periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dogs and cats love to play in the snow. Unfortunately, they also tend to overdo it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On days when it’s too cold (typically about 20 degrees) or icy for pets to be outside, you should bring them  indoors. The longer a dog or cat is exposed to cold temperatures, the higher their risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once indoors, limit the duration of your pet\u2019s trips outdoors based on weather conditions. If it\u2019s too cold for you to stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time, the same is true for your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your pet is bored by too much time indoors, or to provide healthy exercise during inclement weather, try some fun indoor activities<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Cats Indoors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No matter the season, cats are safest when kept indoors\u2014free from predators, the possibility of being hit by cars, and other hazards. But winter is particularly dangerous for cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since cats are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite, keeping them indoors during the winter is important. This is especially true when the temperature drops below freezing or in snowy or icy conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clear Snow and Ice from Your Pet’s Coat and Paws<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When your dog or cat walks through slush or snow, their coat and paws become wet or even coated in ice. This can be painful, cause damage to the skin and paw pads, or even lead to hypothermia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help prevent these problems, dry your pet’s coat with a towel when they come in from outdoors and clear any snow and ice from their paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outfit Your Pet for the Cold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One way to keep your pet warm during the winter<\/a> is by outfitting them in cold weather gear appropriate for your climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n