7 Winter Pet Protection Tips

For most of us, winter marks itself with chapped lips, icy sidewalks and severely limited parallel parking. Though for our pets, real hazards take precedence over frustrations: Our four-legged family members may not have the same ability to regulate their temperatures, change their circumstances and self-soothe as the season whirs along.

The good news is that there’s plenty we can do to get them through til spring, and in the meantime, enjoy the chilly weather as best they can. Here’s our top 7 watchouts and recommendations for better pet safety this winter.

1. Protect their paws

Dogs and cats alike can benefit from a simple pair of water-resistant booties. Sold everywhere online and at almost every pet store, they could be the best investment you make to help quell the cold. A little petroleum jelly before a walk or jaunt to the dog park can also help keep your pet’s paws moisturized and frost-free.

2. Bundle up

An easy rule of thumb is that if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. If you do need to venture outside during a cold snap, make sure you bundle up your pets — even if it’s just for a potty break. Smaller breeds, in particular, have a tougher time retaining heat and could use the extra padding.

3. Pet-proof the car

Everyone knows the dangers of a hot car interior during the summer, but penning your pets in the car during the winter can be just as dangerous. Think hard before they hop in the back seat, and leave them at home in the heat if possible.

4. Work out indoors

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Workouts come fewer and farther between when the snow starts falling. A walk around the block just doesn’t have quite the allure it used to. So run the stairs and tug some war to keep your pets’ blood pumping — we’ve put together a full list of winter fitness recommendations for you to gather some ideas.

5. Groom wisely

Your pets’ coats, nails and skin may need some extra attention to detail as their bodies respond to the changing weather. See if you can bathe them about once per month with a dedicated pet shampoo that won’t dry up their skin or leave their hair feeling flakey. Nails and paws may collect salt or frozen particles on your walks, so be sure to check for cracking or bleeding as you head back inside.

6. Watch out for antifreeze spills

It may sound like an edge case, but antifreeze is particularly toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it stored far away from paw’s reach, and make sure your pets are somewhere safely removed from any work you’re doing in the garage.

7. Our cold weather tips for pets

We put together a handguide full of more extreme weather tips to make sure your cats and dogs are ready in case of the worst. Do yourself a favor and skim through all of them to make sure you’ve got a plan.