5 Tips to Keep Pets Safe in Cold Weather
Cold weather is finally here. If past years are any indication, this winter could be rough for our furry friends. It’s important to consider their safety and comfort, even those animals that are accustomed to living outdoors. We’ve pulled together a few tips that will help you keep your beloved pets safe until spring.
Bring Them Indoors
If you have shelter of any kind for your pets, be sure those pets have access. The heated inside of your home is always best, but that’s not always practical. A garage or shed with walls and a heating source is the perfect compromise. Of course, they don’t have to stay indoors the whole winter, either. Your animals can withstand the harsh cold for much longer than you can. Just be sure they have somewhere to go when they need it.
Provide Shelter
Some of your animals can’t come inside; it’s just not possible. If you keep horses and cows on your land, then you should make sure they have shelter from snow, rain, and biting winds. A barn or a three-walled structure with a roof will give those animals a place to hide from inclement weather.
You can also create shelter for outdoor animals that have nowhere to call home. Small boxes filled with straw and lined with Styrofoam make perfect overnight homes for feral and stray cats. Larger boxes might even give a roof to stray dogs. Maybe they’re not yours, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help them survive the winter.
Use Warm Material
If you’re the type that considers dog sweaters silly, you may want to rethink your position during the winter months. Short-coated dogs really do need the additional insulation. Pets with big furry coats may not need the help, but Jack Russell terriers, Chihuahuas, dachshunds, and other small dogs without a lot of hair will happily wear coats and sweaters.
Horses also enjoy warm blankets on their backs. They can certainly make do without them most of the time, but that doesn’t mean they won’t thrill to the warmth a blanket provides.
Check Water Supply
Your animals can’t enjoy fresh water if it’s always frozen. You can use special heated troughs for your horses, but dogs might need more attention. When temperatures get near or below freezing, you’ll need to constantly switch out the water in outdoor bowls so pets can get all the hydration they need. The same goes for food supplies if the food contains moisture. Remember that keeping warm takes a lot of energy, so your pets will need more food and water than usual. You don’t want to give all your attention to providing warmth but forget to keep your pets fed.
Be a Hero
Providing for your pets and any strays will certainly buy you a lot of goodwill, but that’s not always enough. Keep an eye out for animals that may not have someone as kindhearted as you on their side. If you see dogs and cats that don’t receive enough shelter or water, report the problem. Check your local animal control contact information and keep it close by just in case.
With your help, your pets and livestock will thrive through the winter months. And trust us; they’ll love you so much more for it.
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