Winter Pet Safety Tips

Every year, winter comes, and here in Minnesota it is especially cold! While you might think you know how to keep your pet warm every year (you might have been doing it for years!), it's always good to refresh your memory and maybe learn something new! We have compiled a list of winter pet safety tips to keep your dogs and cats safe this season!

For Dogs or Outdoor Cats:

1. If your dog likes to romp in the snow, keep him close during a storm. In a windy snowfall it's easy for your dog to become disoriented and lose his way.

2. It gets darker earlier now, as we all know. Make your dog noticeable with a reflective collar or leash, or add a blinking light! A flashlight might let drivers see you, but they might miss your dog!

3. When your dog or cat comes in from outside, wipe all paws with a warm, wet cloth to dislodge any bits of ice or road salt.

4. You might think they are just for cuteness, but sweaters and booties can go a long way to keeping your pup toasty and comfortable when it gets cold! Sweaters are also a good ideas for hairless cats!

5. After long periods in the cold check your dog for cat for signs of frostbite on ear tips, paws, tail and underbelly. Look for discolored skin, swelling or blistering and immediately take her to a warm place.

6. If your dog won't wear booties for walks, make sure to keep the pads of their paws moist, and try putting a little petroleum jelly between their toes and on pads before walks! 

7. Use clippers to trim excess fur on medium to long hair dogs (especially the fur between toes)

8. Make sure there's no antifreeze spilled on the garage floor. It smells sweet and tasty but can kill your dog or cat.

9. If your dog or cat builds some ice or snow up on his underbelly or paws, take a warm, moist towel to help them melt and a dry towel or hair dryer to warm and dry their coat. You don't want your dog to try and lick them off and lick up some de-icer chemicals!

10. If your dog or cat is a short hair breed, overweight, has arthritis, or is approaching seniority, playing in the snow and cold will be more hard on them, so it is best to take them out as little as possible!

For Cats Only:

• Some outdoor cats like to climb into vehicle engines for warmth. Check under the hood before starting the car if you can't find your kitty!
• Make sure there is shelter that is partially covered for them to hide in
• Make sure any outdoor water sources don't freeze
• If you only let him out occasionally, make sure it's not during a busy traffic time
• Make sure his collar is reflective and or very noticeable!
• Keep your cat indoors when it is dark outside!
• If you have a cat flap, make sure it isn't frozen over