The winter weather has been unbearably cold, but that doesn’t mean you have the ability to stay inside all day. Some of us have pets who need to go outside, while others need to brave the cold to get to work. We have compiled some of the most important tips for when you need to go outside and face the brutal cold.
Surviving Winter Weather
For you:
- Be careful when walking, you never know where ice is hiding.
- Stay dry! Wet clothing doesn’t protect you against the cold air.
- If you’re out for an extended period of time, watch for any signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
- Keep moving. If you stand still, you’re not going to be producing as much body heat to keep you warm.
- And ALWAYS dress in layers, even if you’re just taking your dog out to use the bathroom.
For Your Pet:
- Stay mindful of how long your pet can stand it outside. Some dogs enjoy the colder weather, while others can get cold very easily. If necessary, have a sweater or jacket for your dog on hand for when they need to go outside.
- Keep their paws clean. After walking them, it’s always a good idea to wipe their paws to get rid of any salt, antifreeze or other chemicals they may have picked up.
- Clean up any antifreeze spills that may occur. Antifreeze attracts cats and dogs due to the sweet scent, but it is highly toxic.
- Similar to the summer months, don’t leave your pet in the car. A prolonged stay in the car can cause them to freeze to death.
It’s good to remember that if you can stay inside during these cold spells, you should. It’s better to stay inside and warm than to risk the cold unless absolutely necessary.
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