Winter Weather Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This Season

Winter brings chilly temperatures, and it’s important to keep your pets safe and comfortable during winter. Here are some essential tips for the winter season:

Protect Those Paws

Salt and de-icing chemicals can irritate your dog’s paw pads. Use pet-safe ice melts at home and rinse or wipe their paws after walks. Consider dog booties for added protection, especially for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors. If your pet refuses booties, applying a paw balm before and after walks can help create a protective barrier against harsh elements. 

Keep Them Warm

Short-haired and smaller breeds may need a coat or sweater when heading outdoors. Choose a properly fitted coat that covers the chest and belly for optimal warmth. Limit time outside during freezing weather, and always dry your pet thoroughly after walks to prevent chills. Indoors, provide a cozy bed away from drafts and consider adding a heated pet pad for extra warmth.

Watch for Hypothermia and Frostbite

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, weakness, and shallow breathing. Frostbite often affects ears, paws, and tails, turning the skin pale or bluish. If you notice any signs, warm your pet gradually using blankets and warm (not hot) water bottles, and contact your vet immediately. Prevention is key—avoid letting pets stay outside too long, especially in wet or windy conditions.

Adjust Meal Portions

Pets may burn more calories trying to stay warm, so they might need slightly more food in winter. Be mindful, though, and avoid overfeeding if activity levels decrease. Focus on high-quality, nutrient-rich food to support their energy levels. Adding fish oil supplements can also promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, providing additional protection against dry, winter air.

Cold weather can mean less time outside, so keep pets entertained with puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games, or indoor obstacle courses. Interactive feeders and scent-based games are great ways to keep their minds active and prevent boredom. Pawesome Pets offers enrichment activities year-round to keep your pup stimulated and engaged, even when it’s too cold to play outside.

Travel Safely

Stay cozy and safe this winter! Contact us at Pawesome Pets Country Club for more winter care tips and to learn about our daycare programs designed to keep your pet active and happy all season long.

Become a Member at Pawesome Pets Country Club

Looking to keep your dog engaged and stimulated this winter? At Pawesome Pets Country Club, your pup will enjoy weekly interactive activities as well as play time and socialization, letting them experience dog daycare filled with joy and relaxation. We are so happy to help contribute to your dog’s overall well-being at Pawesome Pets and beyond.

If you’re looking for enrichment-based dog daycare, dog boarding, and small pet boarding, book now! Not sure what membership package or boarding option you need? Contact us!