It’s no secret that Americans love their furry friends. In fact, there are more than 75 million dogs as pets in the United States, more than in any other country. As much as we love our pooches, the winter can be hard on them, as it can be on other pets, which makes pet care all the more important. Here are some great tips for caring for your pet this winter.
If you live in an area with particularly harsh winters, you need to bring your pets inside if possible. Move them to areas where they can be sheltered from the cold.
If you need to have your dog or other pets outside, make sure they have easy access to food and non-frozen water.
If you take your dog for walks in the wintertime, one good pet care tip is to wipe its paws when you’re done. Paws can soak up antifreeze, salt, and other chemicals.
If you’re walking a dog, take care to avoid having them walk on frozen ponds or lakes. If the ice breaks, your furry friend could be seriously hurt or even killed.
Because of Daylight Savings, the sun sets a lot earlier in the day. An important pet care tip to remember if you’re walking a dog is to wear reflective clothing so you and your dog are easily seen.
Winter can bring some extreme weather that causes lots of damage. It’s therefore important to have an emergency plan for you and your pets. Make sure you have an emergency kit that includes essentials for you and your pooch.
If you see a pet left in the cold, express your concern to the owner. Even though pet owners may love their pets, they may be genuinely unaware of the risks winter weather poses.
Antifreeze can attract dogs and cats because it’s sweet. But it’s also poisonous, so be sure to clean up any spills if you’re filling your vehicle.
If your dog is outside in the wintertime, know its limits. Some dogs are more susceptible to cold than others and you don’t want your dog suffering from frostbite or hypothermia.
If you’re running errands, only take your pets if necessary. They’re just as susceptible to cold as they are to summer heat, so use caution.
With these tips in mind, you can sure your pet stays healthy and well during the winter. Remember to have fun and think safety first!
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Join us April 27, 2024 at West Goshen Community Park | 10 am - 1 pm for a 5K color run, a 1K walk led by Fox29’s Sue Serio, and yoga with puppies, live music, vendors, food trucks, a pet costume contest, kid fun zone, a dog lure course, and so much more!
