How To Keep Your Furry Friends Safe In The Winter Chill

We're sleepy earlier, maybe some sore joints, and have a general malaise. It's winter in Montana. If these things are happening to us, what's happening to our furry family members?

How Does Winter Affect Our Pets?

Basically, it's much the same as how it affects us. There are a number of things that can happen to your pet if they don't have the proper protection in place.

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What To Watch For With Your Pets In The Winter

• Signs of extreme cold: shaking, whining, resisting going outside, or even looking for somewhere to burrow. A good rule of thumb, if it's cold for you, it's cold for them
• Signs of frost bite: Check paws, tails, ears for signs of pale, grey or blue skin and it stays cold and shriveled and/or you pet will wince when it's touched
• Signs of hypothermia: Watch for violent shivering, lethargy, listlessness, weak pulse, muscle stiffness, struggle breathing, and lack of an appetite

What Steps Can You Take To Protect Your Pet?

• A warm place to sleep that is insulated from the floor and free of drafts.
• Protect their paws from being frozen with boots or other remedies recommended by your veterinarian
• Protect their paws by cleaning them off when they come in. There could be melting salts, antifreeze or a number of dangerous chemicals on their paws
• Never leave your pet in the vehicle in the winter. Temperatures can drop to a dangerously low level very quickly
• Make sure they have lots of water
• Adjust their food portions for the winter. They may need a little more to eat to stay warm
• A nice sweater or coat that is made for the weather can keep them warmer
• Dry them off when they come back inside

Remember to gauge these points to the size of animal you have, the kind of coat they have, and whether or not they're a breed that thrives in the winter.

Read More: Yes! You Really Are Sleepier In The Winter

Sources: ASPCA, Associated Press, Red Cross of Southern Pennsylvania, Pets Ahoy Animal Hospital, Med Vet