Getting Your Pet Ready For Winter
When you’re preparing for the upcoming winter months, don’t forget about your pet. Even though they have a coat of fur, dogs and cats need to adjust to fluctuating temperatures. Keep your pet in your apartment as much as possible and run humidifiers to prevent them (and you) from suffering from itchy, dry skin. Offer plenty of water as well and make sure your dog or cat has a warm, dry bed to sleep on (even if it’s yours!) Here are some suggestions to keep your pet, safe, warm, and healthy during cold weather and … the over-arching rule of thumb is … if it’s too cold for you to be outside, then it’s also too cold for your pet.
Dog walking. If you have a short-haired dog, bundle them up in a cute dog sweater (NEVER try this with a cat!). They will stay warm and look stylish during their visit to the dog park. Salt and other harsh de-icing chemicals can irritate your dog’s paw pads, so liberally coat them with petroleum jelly before your walk or buy some dog booties. If you are walking near water, keep your dog on a leash. There are too many news stories about rescues of dogs that are stranded on or in frozen/icy lakes or ponds. Don’t be one of them.
Cars. Antifreeze has a sweet odor and attracts dogs and cats. Ingested even in the smallest amounts can be fatal. Avoid any areas in the driveway or parking lot, where there are puddles or residue of colored liquid that are most commonly bluish-green or purplish-pink. If your dog doesn’t wear any type of paw protection outdoors, then it’s a good idea to thoroughly wipe down their paws once they’re back in your apartment. Outdoor and feral cats like to take refuge in car engines during the winter, so it’s a good habit to loudly knock on your car’s hood before starting it up in the morning.
Grooming and bathing. Pets of both species will rejoice! Don’t bathe your dog as often in the winter to protect its skin. As indicated, heated indoor air can cause a dry, itchy coat. The opposite approach to pet hygiene cats. Even though they are “self-cleaning,” their fur (like dogs) gets thicker in the winter. You’ll need to brush your cat more frequently to slough off dead hair and skin cells, which can lead to itching and scratching. Unless your cat hates grooming, this should be an enjoyable interaction for both of you.
Feeding. Staying warm in the winter expends more energy, so it’s OK to increase your dog’s food intake. They require more calories during colder months but don’t overdo it. Consult with your vet on the best winter weather diet for your dog, based on its breed, weight, and level of activity.
Few people relish winter but cuddling with your furry friends can make it much more bearable. By taking a few precautions and consulting with your vet when necessary, both of you can experience a cozy, healthy, and safe winter season.
We Love Pets at Vision Communities
At Vision Communities, we know that your pet is part of your family, which is why our communities were designed for pet owners. We have dog parks and plenty places to walk your furry friend.
If you are looking for a new apartment, be sure to put a VC community on your list to tour. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.
Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.