Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pets

Cold weather is quickly returning to Aberdeen, and I’m sure many of us have started to take the necessary steps to prepare for some winter safety. It’s important to make sure that all members of the family are considered – that includes our furry friends! Here are some indoor and outdoor tips to make sure your pets stay comfortable and safe in colder temperatures. //

Indoor tips:

• If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Keep your animals inside, especially at night.
• Keep your pet’s paws safe from ice, salt, and snow. We know dogs aren’t usually too excited to wear booties, so use petroleum jelly to protect their paw pads. Wash their paws once you come back inside.
• Make sure your pets have a collar with proper identification or a microchip in case they get lost. Snow and ice can cover familiar scents that help lead them home.
• Keep an extra bag of food on hand in case you get snowed in. If your pet needs medication, make sure you have an adequate amount of that as well.
• Consider adopting a pet in need from the Aberdeen Area Humane Society, or open up your home to a foster pet from the Pet Rescue League.
• Avoid short haircuts for dogs. If your pet has short or thin fur, keep them warm with a coat or sweater.

Outdoor tips:

• When placing food outside for stray animals, use a tortilla shell instead of a paper plate or plastic bowl. This can help prevent litter.
• Blankets get wet and freeze – if you are making a shelter for animals, use straw as bedding instead.
• Keep food and shelter separate.
• If possible, avoid using salt or chemicals on sidewalks. Pet-safe salts are available and are easier on an animal’s paws.
• Check your car and make some noise before turning it on – stray cats may take shelter close to a warm car engine.
• Promptly clean up any antifreeze spills. This chemical is extremely toxic, and even a small amount can be fatal.
• Avoid leaving pets alone in the car. A cold car can be just as dangerous as a hot one.
• Make sure your fences and gates are secure. Winter winds can damage them and give your pet a spot to escape.

DIY Cat Shelter

Sadly, our pets are not the only animals that are affected by cold weather. Stray cats are also prone to cold weather. This simple cat shelter is easy to make and can provide a warm place to sleep for the strays in your neighborhood. Spaying and neutering your own pet cats can help prevent strays, too!

Required materials:

1. Two Rubbermaid containers plus lids – one large, one small enough to fit into the large one
2. Styrofoam insulation
3. Straw

Instructions:

1. Cut two holes into the shorter side of both Rubbermaid containers. The holes should be about six inches in diameter.
2. Line the larger container’s floor and four sides with styrofoam insulation.
3. Place the smaller container into the larger one and fill the floor with straw. Cover the smaller container with its lid.
4. Place another layer of insulation on top of the smaller container’s lid.
5. Place the larger container’s lid on top. For best results, don’t place the shelter directly on the ground – use a layer or straw or an old board to keep the shelter off the cold snow.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5