Dog owners: Here's how to keep your pet safe in frigid temperatures
As the temperatures dropped and snow fell by the inch all over the country during the recent Arctic blast, day-to-day life can become more challenging for the average person. If our lives are more difficult, the lives of our furry friends are also going to be facing some adversity.
From taking your dog on a walk through piles of snow to de-icing your patio, be sure to keep your pets as safe as possible in below-freezing temperatures.
Here are some of the best tips, tricks and products to keep your pup secure and warm during the brutal winter blast according to the ASPCA:
Keep the air at home warm and humid
With all the dry, frigid air outside, your dog could be prone to a runny nose or itchy skin. Be sure to run the heat in your house and use a humidifier to keep the dryness to a minimum. Look at the Canopy Bedside Humidifier for a dishwasher-safe option to prevent mold or the Pure Enrichment MistAire for a more affordable option that is still quiet, reliable and easy to clean.
Wipe down and towel dry your dog after a walk
No one wants a wet dog, much less a wet salty dog. Road salts and other ice-melting chemicals can be harmful to dogs if ingested. So if your dog licks their paws or fur after a walk, it's best to avoid any sickness by wiping your furry friend down with a pet-safe wipe like the Earth Rated dog wipes, focusing specifically on the paws and tummy area. For a deeper clean, check out the Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser. After a cleanse, dry with an absorbent towel such as the Tuff Pupper Quick Dry microfiber towel.
Protect the paws
To be even more careful about chemicals, massage petroleum jelly such as Vaseline into your dog's paws before a walk for added protection.
However, for the ultimate winter weather defense, invest in some booties for your pup’s feet — this way their paws are safe from both chemicals and cold temperatures. For a durable yet warm pair, check out the Ultra Paws Dog Boots.
Only use pet-safe ice-melting products
Ice melt with magnesium chloride can be toxic to pets if ingested — resulting in gastrointestinal upset, kidney failure, rashes or even death. When clearing your sidewalk, driveway or patio, be sure to use the SAFE PAW PetSafe Salt-Free Ice Melt.
Extra treats are a must
Just like humans, dogs will burn more calories when walking in freezing cold temperatures. Be sure to feed Fido a little extra food — maybe surprise your pup with a winter-themed treat like Zuke’s Mini Natural Pine Trees or pick a high protein option like the Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
The biggest piece of advice from the ASPCA is that if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so be sure to use caution and limit time outside this winter.
