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Are you looking for practical ways to help your furry friend keep warm this winter? When the temperature drops, our pets can struggle. Winter can be brutal if you do not adequately prepare your animal companion for everything from the snow on the ground to the frosty air. 

As a general rule, smaller dogs like chihuahuas have more trouble retaining their body heat, so naturally, these pups need a jacket. A dog’s paw pads can benefit from a moisturizing balm to protect their paws from ice and harmful chemicals. A good pair of booties will keep their paws warm. 

It is essential to know your pet’s limitations outdoors. Cats should always be kept indoors for safety, but even if your furry feline goes outside, they should be kept indoors in the winter. This article will teach you some excellent winter care tips for your furry companions. 

How to Keep Your Pet Comfortable in the Winter 

Keeping your pet comfortable in the winter requires knowing how they respond to the cold. Depending on where you live, winter can be bitterly cold. The following are tips for your four-legged family member:

How to Know If My Dog Needs a Coat

Many factors can determine whether or not your dog needs a winter coat:

• Age of dog
• Size of dog
• Breed of dog
• Dog’s weight 

Smaller dogs often need coats. According to the American Kennel Club, these little darlings “cannot easily generate and retain enough body heat to keep themselves warm.” This includes small, toy, and miniature breeds. 

Breeds like Huskies originate from harsher, arctic climates. Their double coat helps them stay warm. Dogs with more weight on them may be able to withstand the cold a bit better because they carry more insulation. 

Older or senior pups are more susceptible to the cold because of health conditions like arthritis or a compromised immune system. Heat regulation can also diminish as your canine companion ages and even older dogs with more fur may feel the chill.  

If you have a smaller dog, the Vecomfy Fleece lining hoodie can be helpful to them. 

Dog Paw Care in the Cold Weather

Dogs benefit from paw protection in the winter. If you want to keep your dog’s paws cozy and toasty when the snow is falling, Hdwk&Hped Warm Dog Snow Boots can be quite cozy. Winter dog booties for pet parents on a budget, Waterproof Dog Shoes may be a decent option. The waterproof coating will keep your dog’s paws dry. Booties not only provide warmth, but they also protect bare toes from irritation.

Some dogs do not tolerate booties. In that case, you can apply a moisturizing balm to protect their paws. It will act as a barrier to keep ice and toxic chemicals at bay. Ensure you clean away any ice or salt before application. Vet’s Preferred Paw Balm is a wise choice. It will also help soothe cracked, parched paws. 

Keep Your Pet Sheltered 

Keep your pets sheltered indoors with your family in the winter. Keep outdoor exposure to a minimum whenever possible. Some rules to follow when temperatures are downright arctic: 

• Keep your home humidified 
• Know your pet’s limits outdoors 
• Keep cats indoors where it is warm 
• Towel dry pets when they come back indoors

Humidifiers add moisture back into the air when the winter is dry. Humidifiers keep your pet’s skin and coat from being irritated, causing cracking and flaking. It also improves their breathing. 

Winter Grooming 

The ASPCA explains that you should “bathe pets as little as possible during cold spells.” Washing them too much can strip their bodies of essential oils, leading to extremely dry skin. Do not shave your dog down to the skin in the winter. If your pup has long hair, trim it to keep the clinging ice out of their coat. 

Winter Outdoor Safety

Keep your pets safe when outdoors this winter. Below 45 degrees can be too cold for smaller pets or dogs with health conditions. When it is 32 degrees or below, pets should not be outside for too long. No dog should be outside when it is 20 degrees or lower, as it is dangerous to a pup’s safety. Your pet can develop hypothermia or frostbite. Signs of hypothermia to watch for:

• Dilated pupils 
• Paleness of the skin 
• Sluggishness or delayed reactions 
• Intermittent fast and slow heart rate
• Rapid breathing followed by suddenly slower breath 

Keep in mind, if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your dog. 

Watch for Hazards  

Anti-freeze is lethal to pets and should be kept out of paw’s reach. You should also consider safe alternatives to salt for melting your driveway. HARRIS Kind Melt is safe for your dog’s paws, as it will not burn or irritate them like salt can. 

Conclusion 

We must keep our furry friends safe this winter by supplying them with the proper attire they need to stay warm. Watch to ensure your dog is not whimpering or shivering, as these are signs your pet is too cold and needs to go indoors immediately. Know your pet’s outdoor limits. Give them a wonderfully cozy bed to sleep or cuddle with them to keep them warm and snug. 

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