Winter Weather Safety for Pets

Although winter may not have officially begun, cold weather has definitely arrived. Soon it will begin to snow, with sledding, snowball fights, and snowmen not far behind. With cooler temperatures, ice, and snow bring new risks to your pets, but with these tips from 4Paws Insurance you can easily prepare and protect your pooch this season.

Winter coats
Even though you may think your pet should be warm, as they do have a coat of fur, many pets still get cold when outside during the winter, especially in the snow. If you notice your pet start to shiver during your daily walks, consider buying them a sweater or winter coat to wear outside. Smaller dogs and those with lighter coats are more likely to need an extra layer of warmth when they venture outside. Some coats for pets are even waterproof to keep them warm and dry during snow and rain this winter.

Protecting the Paws
Did you know that road salt can actually be harmful to your pet’s paws? Prolonged contact can lead to chemical burns, so it essential to take steps to protect their paws. There are several products that will help to protect their paws, from doggy booties to protective waxes, both of which are good options. Dog booties not only protect your furry friend’s paws from salt, but also from snow, ice, and sharp items that may be hidden under snow or ice. But, some dogs do not like wearing booties and will not enjoy walking with them; so protective waxes are another viable option. Paw wax is applied to your dog’s paws before a walk and act as a barrier between the salt and your 4-legged friend’s paws to keep them safe.

Dog walks in the snow
If there is a particularly heavy snowfall, you need to expect that there may be some difficulties when you go to take your dog for a walk. Some pets have difficulty finding a spot to relieve themselves in the snow as they cannot smell the grass beneath the snow. If this is the case for your pooch, simply dig a small path for them in the grass as a designated bathroom area until the snow melts. Although many dogs love frocking in the snow, if your dog has a longer coat, you may notice that the snow sticks to their fur in clumps. This can actually hurt your dog as it can pull on their fur and make them even colder, even when they come indoors. If you see clumps of snow stuck to your pet, once you are inside, make sure to melt them off using a warm towel.

Although the winter and this colder weather presents new risks for your pet, 4Paws Insurance wants you and your fur baby to enjoy the winter wonderland. Protect your pets with us today so they can enjoy frolicking in the snow for many years to come!