Here's How To Help Your Dog Stay Safe In The Cold
The main rule of thumb when it comes to winter safety is - “If it’s cold for you, it’s cold for them.” This is the truth! Don’t think that just because your dog has a little extra fluff that they’re safe in the winter (Great Pyrenees pawrents - you don’t count!). If you walk outside and feel cold in your hoodie and jeans, then there’s a chance your pup will too. We have assembled a list of some tips that can hopefully help you protect your pet this winter!
General Tips For Protecting Your Pet This Winter
There doesn’t need to be a winter storm outside for it to be too cold for your pets! Keep them safe and warm throughout the winter, even when it’s gearing down to an end. Here’s some general things to keep in mind for your pet pals while you wait for the warmer weather to come in.
Layer Up Your Pup!
It’s important that you select a jacket that gives your buddy freedom of movement, warmth, and protection. Our Pro-Fit and our Reversible Reflective Dog Coats are awesome options!
Our reflective Pro-Fit coat is designed with sleeves to protect your dog’s legs from the elements, an insulative fiber core and water-resistant fabric you dog is sure to stay warm and comfy.
This coat features a stain and rain resistant fabric for water repellency, warmth and comfort in the cold, wind, and rain. Switch from the colorful side to the reflective silver side for increased visibility. With four different colors available, your pup will for sure be the most stylish at the snow park!
Protect Their Paws
Protect your pups paws if you take them on a walk! We have a great article about keeping your pup's paws safe during the colder seasons that's definitely worth a read.
Regular Vet Visits
Make sure to keep up with your fluffy friend’s vet check ups regularly. The best thing you can do for them is make sure they’re healthy. This is also a great chance for you to catch any skin conditions or arthritis before they can get worse in the cold. Your vet will also be able to give you better tips for your pet specifically.
Winter Storm Tips
As we approach the end of winter storm season (though in some places, it’s not quite over yet!) now is the perfect time to look at all your gear and emergency kits, and replenish what’s missing. If you haven’t already included your pet’s supplies in that kit - now is the time!
Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
Extra Food and Water
Include some of your pet’s favorite meals, if you’d like, as well as treats. Make sure you have at least five days worth of extra food and water available for them.
Extra Warmth
Pack a few things to keep your pet pal warm. This is a great way to reuse extra/older pet coats, blankets, and clothing for your pet. Our ThermaNAP pet mat is a perfect option for smaller dogs and cats! The ThermaNAP reflects your pet’s heat back at them - no electricity needed!
Pet Beds
Our Trail Pup Packable Stuff Sack Pet Pillow is the perfect option for a small and compact bed for your pet. This bed folds up into a compact and convenient pack to put in a go-bag or supply kit. It also doubles as the perfect camping and trail bed!
Light Up Collars And Leashes
If there’s no street lights on in a blackout, or your candlelight isn’t cutting it, a light up collar/leash may be the perfect solution. Both our LED Safety Light-Up Dog Collars and Leashes are designed to make sure your pet is highly visible in the dark. The powerful LED lights are visible from up to 1,000 ft and are water-resistant case for if it starts to sprinkle.
Loud Noises
You may not think about this until it happens, but storms come with loud noises, and a LOT of our pets get nervous when noises are present. If you have a routine for fireworks and reducing your pet’s anxiety, think about including those comforts and measures for a winter storm. Check out our blog for some tips for firework induced anxiety reduction.
Keep Your Pet Preoccupied
This is the fun part! Make sure you have some things to entertain your pet, like a feather wand for cats, so that they don’t get cabin fever! You can always use this as an excuse at any time to spoil your fur baby with new things, or you can save them for if you ever need to use them (think of it as a little treat for them!)
Pack some toys for your pup so that they don’t start chewing on your shoes, or set up a cat treehouse for your kitty to perch on and watch the world outside.
It's important to make sure you take the steps to protect your dog or cat, even if you never need to. Take some time during your spring cleaning to do an overview of what you have available, and how you can make your pet as comfortable as they can be!
