How to protect your pets during winter
Checkup - Before the cold weather arrives, take your pet to the vet for a checkup.
Hypothermia - It's important to be able to recognize the signs of hypothermia in pets.
Reduce walk times - Limit your walk times to avoid exposing your pet to icy conditions for a long period. Take into consideration the dog's breed, size, and age.
Dress them up - If you take your pet outside to play in the snow, for instance, make sure they're wearing a sweater or coat.
Outdoor sleeping -
Unlike other animals, dogs are not prepared to sleep outside in cold conditions. They need appropriate shelter.
Dog house - If you're building a shelter from scratch, make sure it is at least 5 cm (2 inches) taller than the dog's height when it sits down.
Paws - Examine your pets' paws after walks in icy and snowy conditions. Look out for cracks or any signs of injury.
Tag your pet -
Dogs are more apt to get lost during winter as the smells they use to guide them might get subdued in freezing weather.
Be prepared - Keep an emergency kit for your pet during winter. You might need something and get stuck at home due to severe weather conditions.
Have your home prepared - A pet door can be a great solution. This will allow your pet to go outside and do their business and come back quickly to the warmth.
Never leave your pet in a car - The temperature in an unheated car drops very fast during icy conditions.
Healthy diet - Feed your pets the best food you can afford. This will ensure they have all the nutrients they needed to survive a harsh winter.
Keep your pets inside - If it's really cold, bring your pets home. They will be safer and much more comfortable.