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Checkup - Before the cold weather arrives, take your pet to the vet for a checkup.

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Checkup - Some chronic medical conditions can become worse during winter, so it's important to take your pet for a checkup before the temperatures plummet.

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Reduce walk times - Limit your walk times to avoid exposing your pet to icy conditions for a long period. Take into consideration the dog's breed, size, and age.

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Reduce walk times - If your dog has a thick, long coat, it will tolerate lower temperatures better than a short-haired one. Though it is still at risk. 

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Hypothermia - It's important to be able to recognize the signs of hypothermia in pets.

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Hypothermia - If you spot your animal shivering, anxious, or generally weak while exposed to low temperatures, take them inside straight away.

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Dress them up - If you take your pet outside to play in the snow, for instance, make sure they're wearing a sweater or coat.

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Dress them up -

It's also a good idea to protect their paws. Buy them some boots so they can enjoy the ice and snow.

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Outdoor sleeping -

Unlike other animals, dogs are not prepared to sleep outside in cold conditions. They need appropriate shelter. If they are going to sleep in a dog house, there are a few things that you can do to make it more suitable for winter.

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Bedding - For bedding, use a thick pad, if possible with cedar chips. These absorb moisture, and keep bugs and odors away. Plus, they're completely biodegradable.

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Dog house - If you're building a shelter from scratch, make sure it is at least 5 cm (2 inches) taller than the dog's height when it sits down.

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Outdoor sleeping - Build the shelter above ground if possible, and make sure the entrance is not centered. This will allow the dog to lay in a corner, less exposed to the elements.

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Paws - Examine your pets' paws after walks in icy and snowy conditions. Look out for cracks or any signs of injury.

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Paws -

Trim the furs between your dog's paws. This will prevent ice and snow accumulation in the area. 

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Tag your pet -

Dogs are more apt to get lost during winter as the smells they use to guide them might get subdued in freezing weather.

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Tag your pet - Get them an identification collar, and/or a microchip. Ensure that your contact details are up to date.

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Be prepared - Keep an emergency kit for your pet during winter. You might need something and get stuck at home due to severe weather conditions.

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Be prepared - The same applies to food. Make sure you have a good supply of pet food in case you're unable to go out and buy some.

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Avoid poisoning - Beware of de-icers and antifreeze spills. These product are heavily used during freezing weather and are toxic for animals.

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Beware of sidewalk salt - It can cause chemical burns if your dog steps into it. Carry some unscented wipes and a bottle of water with you to clean their paws.

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Have your home prepared - Make sure your heaters are secured and placed in a way that prevents your pets from knocking them over.

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Have your home prepared - Add a fence around them if possible, to avoid your pets getting burned. 

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Have your home prepared - A pet door can be a great solution. This will allow your pet to go outside and do their business and come back quickly to the warmth.

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Never leave your pet in a car - The temperature in an unheated car drops very fast during icy conditions. It is not safe for any animal to stay in a freezing vehicle.

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Healthy diet - Feed your pets the best food you can afford. This will ensure they have all the nutrients they needed to survive a harsh winter.

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Keep your pets inside - If it's really cold, bring your pets home. They will be safer and much more comfortable.

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Keep your pets inside - Enjoy the company of your pets during winter. It's a great time of the year to bond indoors.

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Want to see more cute pets? - We're sure these pampered pets will put a smile on your face!

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