As temperatures dip to near or below freezing, late nights and early mornings can be especially chilly for you and your dog. Remember that if it’s too cold for you, it’s likely too cold for your pet as well. Even though they have layers of fur, it only protects them so much. They can still get cold in winter weather.
- Keep your house warm and open the blinds.
It can be tempting to drop the thermostat when you’re not home, but don’t go too low. You want to maintain a comfortable temperature for your pet – somewhere between 68- and 72-degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. If it’s a sunny day, open the blinds so your dog or cat can soak up some of that warmth.
- Limit outdoor time.
Rather than taking one long walk, go on shorter more frequent walks. You and your dog can warm up in between, but you’ll still be getting plenty of exercise and letting them stretch and play outside. If you have a dog that likes to stay outside during the day, ensure that they have an enclosed space to go into such as a dog house or igloo. This will allow them to have shelter from the wind and contain some of the heat from the sun, as well as their own body heat.
- Bundle up.
The wind and cold temperatures can still cut through your dog’s fur. While you may think they look silly in a sweater or coat, it can actually be quite functional when they go outside and can help them stay warmer by trapping their body heat and deflecting the cold. Short-haired dogs especially can benefit.
- Add more blankets.
Give your pets a soft, comfortable place to curl up. Cats love to burrow under blankets when it’s cold, and some dogs do as well. A layer or two of blankets also adds a thicker barrier between them and the cold floor or any drafts sneaking through. Keep blankets in different rooms of your house so they always have somewhere warm to go.
- Dry their paws.
If it’s been wet or snowy outside, make sure you dry off your dog’s paws when you come inside. Keep a small towel by the door for just this purpose. Wet paws can make their whole body feel colder if the house is cool or there is a draft.
- Be cautious about fireplaces and heaters.
Curling up next to a heat source like a roaring fire, a woodburning stove, or a portable heater sounds cozy, but it can also be dangerous. Don’t let your dog or cat get too close or they can get burned. Make sure they stay a safe distance away and are supervised. You don’t want them to accidentally knock over the heater or chew the cord.
If you’re going to be out of town this winter and are worried about your pet staying safe and warm, board them at Lake Wylie Pet Resort. Our luxury presidential suites have heated floors and deluxe bedding so your dog is as comfortable as can be. Our cattery also gives your cat a cozy place to curl up and relax. Rest assured that they are in good hands. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s next stay!