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4213 Calgary Trail NW

Edmonton AB, T6J 5P4

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Your Local Vet Clinic and Animal Hospital

Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pets Warm This Winter

Keeping your pets warm this winter may seem like an overwhelming task at first. After all, pets can be susceptible, especially when it comes to the weather. Thankfully, there are plenty of helpful tips in the world to keep your pet warm and healthy no matter how cold it gets.

Even if you don’t live in a frigid climate, you never know when it might get cold out. Plus, what might not be cold to you can be quite the contrary for your pet. Regardless, let’s take a look at some essential tips for keeping your pets warm. Afterward, we’ll highlight how you can keep them protected, dog house warmth tips, and more. Let’s take a look!

Tips for Keeping Your Pets Warm This Winter

1. Keep Your Pet Sheltered

Pets can ze, become perplexed, lost, harmed or even killed from being left outside in the cold. Keep your pets inside where they can remain comfortable and safe. Additionally, don’t let pets in the vehicle be as it can operate as a fridge and hold in the cold air.

The cold air can cause your pet to ze and could prompt some wellbeing concerns, including death. Nevertheless, be aware of keeping your pet sheltered and what this means during the colder months for your pet.

2. Bundle Your Pets Up

Keeping your pets warm this winter is deeply connected to bundling your pets up. Regardless of what the temperature is, wind

chills can hinder a pet’s life. Uncovered skin on noses, ears, and paws is in danger for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme frosty spells.

Thus, most pets feel happier wearing a pet sweater. Pet sweaters are great for taking your dog outside for a walk and inside if your home is colder than usual. Either way, be aware of keeping your pets bundled, especially if a zing day is coming up.

3. Know When It’s Too Cold Outside

Like keeping your pet sheltered, it’s equally valuable to have the common understanding of knowing when it’s too cold outside. A good rule of thumb is to look up the essential temperature tolerance of your pet. Follow it closely since it’s never ideal for messing around with the cold and your pets.

4. Wash and Dry Pets Fur After They Go In Snow

Most dogs love to go outside and play in the snow. As great and rewarding as a snow experience can be, be aware of the snow’s effect on your dog. After each walk, make a point to wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach.

You may likewise need to use a towel on long walks to clear off bothered paws. While on a walk, your pet might step in ice, salt, and chemicals—which can be extremely excruciating. Remember to check for breaks in paw cushions or redness between the toes.

5. Don’t Shave Your Pet’s Fur

Most cats and dogs tend to get fluffier during the winter months. The fluff is their instinct to add warmth to their body when it’s not as warm out. Longer coats give more warmth and are imperative for keeping your pet happy and healthy!

If your dog is long-haired, simply trim them to limit sticking ice, salt, and de-icing chemicals that can dry out their skin. Furthermore, don’t disregard the hair between their toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting them a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck.

6. Try Not To Bathe Your Pet

Although it might not seem related to keeping your pets warm this winter, make sure you don’t bathe your pet a lot during the colder months. Washing frequently can eliminate fundamental oils and create dry, flaky skin. If you wash your pet, use a saturating cleanser and a rinse suggested by your veterinarian.

7. Feed Your Pet Slightly More in Winter

Who doesn’t love food? Putting on weight is an obvious way to keep warm, especially for pets. Thus, consider feeding your pet some extra food in the cold weather months. Pets tend to work harder to remain warm in the colder time of year and, as a result, consume additional energy.

Taking care of them with more food can give them the necessary calories—and they indeed will not say anything negative. Regardless, ensure your pet is drinking a lot of water since it will assist with keeping them and their skin hydrated.

8. Get Your Pet a Warm Blanket

As humans, we tend to layer ourselves in blankets during the colder months. Why wouldn’t your pet enjoy a similar experience? Guarantee your pet has a warm spot in your house that is off the floor and away from drafts. A comfortable pet bed with a warm cover or cushion is excellent.

How Do I Protect My Pet From The Cold?

Besides the above tips, it’s best to use common knowledge about protecting your pet from the cold. Generally speaking, the chilly climate can cause bothersome, flaky skin—so the warmer your pet is, the less uneasiness they will feel.

When your dog comes in the house, towel them off and eliminate any snow from their body and between their foot cushions. Keep your pets comfortable with a pet bed that’s away from all drafts.

What is the Best Thing to Put in a Dog House for Warmth?

Insulation will assist with keeping your dog’s home a lot warmer. Foil-supported froth sheets are the ideal choice for your dog’s house since they’re not difficult to introduce and are effective. Other points to consider include:

  • Make Sure the Dog House is in Good Condition
  • Insulate the Dog House
  • Elevate the Dog House
  • Put in a Warm Bedding
  • Fill Up Excess Space

Want to Learn More About Keeping Your Pets Warm This Winter?

Keeping your pets warm this winter is a critical point to be mindful of as a pet owner. Nevertheless, visit or contact us at Gateway Veterinary Centre to learn more about keeping pets warm during the colder months.

We’re a locally owned veterinary clinic that provides the latest, independent, and fair advice regarding your pet’s needs. We are open seven days a week and look forward to hearing from you!

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