Pet Safety: How To Keep Pets Safe In Cold Weather
Pets can suffer during the blistering cold months in winter – especially if they are left out alone during severe weather. One of the common questions that pet owners are asking themselves is “How cold is too cold for a dog or a cat?” The truth is, it is complicated. However, based on their overall health and environment, there are many factors that affect cold weather safety for pets. For example, the breed of dog can be an indicator that varies – as well as their overall acclimation to the cold. For instance, dogs that are trained or acclimated to cold weather as well as hunting/working dogs can be safer in cold weather compared to smaller domestic bred dogs.
5 Valuable Tips For Monitoring Your Pets’ Safety In Winter
When it’s too cold for pets to be outside, every owner needs to know that prolonged exposure to dangerously cold temperatures can increase the risk of frostbite as well as hypothermia – which occurs when the body cannot sustain the normal temperature. The first symptoms of hypothermia range from weakness to shivering but can also demonstrate inaudible heartbeats and trouble with breathing.
So, what to do in order to keep your pets safe in cold weather?
1. Examine Them At The Vet’s Office
According to the American Veterinary Association, each pet should receive an annual checkup before it is exposed to cold weather. There are many conditions which can create issues or make a pet less tolerant to cold temperatures. These include diabetes, heart disease, hormonal changes and kidney issues. The best way to get them in detail is by doing a thorough vet examination.
2. Shorten Their Walk Times
If you are going out with your dog in cold weather and doing it frequently (3-4 times a day), it may be wise to shorten these intervals. The truth is, pets are individuals and only ones with thick, long and double-layered coats may tolerate the sub-zero temperatures. Still, there is a big risk involved so make sure to reduce the walk times in cold weather.
3. Know When To Recognize The Signs Of Hypothermia
As we discussed above, the signs of hypothermia can be of great importance. If your pet is shivering, whining or appears weak —you should speak with a qualified veterinarian and learn to spot the signs.
4. Bundle Them Up
Dressing your pets in sweaters, coats and other thick materials is important, especially if they suffer from low winter-weather tolerance. So, gear up especially if you are out with your pet or traveling. Change their clothes if necessary —and make sure that they are dry.
5. Get Them A Safe And Warm Shelter
Your pet’s bedding is very important and crucial in withstanding cold weather. Their shelter needs to be warm. Generally, experts recommend that pets are kept indoors during cold weather. If you can’t do that, however, make sure that their shelter is safe and warm.
So, their bedding should be thick, their entrance should be protected from the wind and their opening should be off-center, allowing them to get comfortable in the corners and avoid any precipitation.
Monitor Your Pet’s Activity Through 24/7 Monitoring Service
Last but not the least is a tip that we are giving you exclusively . . .
At Fire Alert, we strive to make pet owners aware of the safety of their beloved pets, especially when they are away from home, at work or enjoying a weekend getaway. Most of the time, the best way to shelter your pets is by properly monitoring their environment.
This is why we have established Fire Alert —a solution that brings you closer to your pets at all times and lets you monitor their safety through our service. It’s easy to set up and use, this solution works with a WiFi connection, comes with instant alerts on your phone and makes the safety of your pets a priority.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, because pets can’t call 911. Our affordable pet safety solution is the next step in keeping your pets safe, especially when you’re not home.