How to Keep Pets Safe in Cold Weather

Petique Blog

How to Keep Pets Safe in Cold Weather

With the Polar Vortex sweeping through the Midwest and portions of the East coast, temperatures are at an all-time low. Even usually warm locales, such as Southern California, where Petique is based, face record winds, rain and colder-than-normal temps. So, how can you keep your pet safe in winter weather? 

Sometimes it’s simply too cold for pets to spend time outside, regardless of their breed. Prolonged exposure to dangerously cold temperatures puts your furry friends in danger of frostbite and hypothermia. This situation occurs when the body cannot sustain normal temperatures. Dogs and cats who have hypothermia show physical signs such as weakness and shivering. More serious symptoms, like irregular heartbeat and labored breathing, can also occur. 

In cold temps, bring your cats inside even if they prefer to wander. You’re the human, so you know best! Keeping dogs safe from frigid temperatures is more challenging, since they need to go outside when nature calls. How long your pet can tolerate outdoor conditions depends on their size, body fat, activity level, coat type and overall health. For example, long-haired and thick-coated breeds, such as Huskies and Akitas, are more tolerant of cold weather than short-haired Dachshunds or Chihuahuas. However, no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.

Winter Pet Safety Tips

• Get a checkup
  Cold weather could exacerbate certain medical conditions such as arthritis. Ask your vet to examine your pet at least once a year. Your vet can make sure (s)he is as healthy as possible when cold weather hits.
  
  
• Understand your pet’s limits.
  When the weather is brisk, shorten your dog's walks to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may struggle to navigate snow and ice. Short-legged pets may succumb quickly to the cold, in part, because their bellies and bodies lie lower to the ground. Pets with health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances may have a difficulty regulating body temperature. This can make them more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes.
  
  
• Paws (Get it? Like Pause…?)
  Periodically check your dog's paws for signs of cold-weather injury or damage. Signs of this include cracked pads or bleeding. While you can wear boots to navigate, your dog’s paws provide little protection to severe weather conditions. This is one reason we make strollers and joggers for both dogs and cats, so you and your pet can get out to breathe fresh air without exposure to harsh elements. 

About Petique
Located in Ontario, California, Petique Inc is a woman- and family-owned business specializing in pet supplies and consumables. Pet owners ourselves, we share a passion to create a positive, healthy and fun environment for furry family members. We also strive to create quality pet products that conserve ecological resources whenever possible, and consciously avoid depleting natural resources. With more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, product development and design, we take pride in creating eco-friendly and non-toxic items, reliable travel gear and innovative products. Contact us today, visit our website or call (909) 673-0998.