{"id":480,"date":"2023-12-13T16:58:47","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T21:58:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=480"},"modified":"2023-12-13T16:58:47","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T21:58:47","slug":"an-up-to-date-guide-to-winter-pet-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/an-up-to-date-guide-to-winter-pet-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"An Up-to-Date Guide to Winter Pet Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Dog<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Keeping our pets safe during the winter is critical for their overall health and wellness. There\u2019s a great deal that can be done before and during the seasonal lows, and we\u2019ve got hot tips for cold paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use It or Lose It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Winter pet safety<\/a> hinges on providing a pet with all the right gear to guard against the elements.<\/a> To ensure that daily activities persist outside, invest in insulating clothing that keeps their core warm. If they\u2019ll accommodate you, have them wear waterproof booties to protect the skin on their paw pads. If not, be sure to wash their feet in warm water at home afterwards to remove any ice balls in between their toes or build up of salt for deicing chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Warmth Counts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All pets, but especially senior pets<\/a> and those with osteoarthritis, benefit from self-warming bedding that supports their joints and beats out drafts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they insist on remaining outdoors long after you decide to head indoors, watch them carefully and persuade them to come in after a few minutes. Be sure to have a warm, dry shelter for them and plenty of water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Is It Too Cold?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Younger animals, seniors, and those with certain medical conditions should be protected from the cold at all costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypothermia can occur when a pet\u2019s internal temperature dips far below normal, or under 99 degrees in dogs and 100 degrees in cats. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause the following symptoms of hypothermia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n