3 Tips to Keep your Pet Warm this Winter
Wednesday, January 12th, 2022
The holidays are behind us, but the frigid winter weather is only just beginning. While our winters here in the desert may not be swirling with snow storms and intense freezes, we still get below freezing temperatures and winter rains that can have a devastating effect on pets who are left outside.
The winter weather can be a tough time for pet parents to navigate because there is so much information out there on what is right and what is wrong. It’s overwhelming, and we understand that! We want to help make it more simple by giving you 3 simple tips on how you can keep your pets warm and healthy this winter.
Winter Pet Clothing
Pet sweaters and jackets are really coming into the limelight these days, but they are far more than just fashion for pets. These items give your pet an extra layer of protection from the cold, and keeps them warm while outside on winter walks. Apart from items like jackets and sweaters, many pet supply stores (including HSSA’s PAWSH Park Place) also sell pet boots that are incredibly important in protecting your pets paws on cold surfaces.
Keep your Pets Indoors
One of the most important things you can do to protect your pet during winter weather is to bring them indoors. If you would be uncomfortable and freezing staying outdoors for a long period of time, so would your pet. Many believe that because our pets are animals they have an innate ability to withstand harsh weather without being affected, similar to their wild ancestors, however, that is hardly the case. Domesticated animals have been genetically adapted over many generations to live alongside humans as they do. The earliest evidence of dog domestication began with wolves sometime between 33,000 and 11,000 years ago. As you can imagine, over that vast period of time, the biological survival instincts inherent within these distant wild ancestors has diminished - making today’s pets incapable of enduring harsh weather of the same caliber. Long story short, please bring your pets indoors in freezing weather. It can be a matter of life and death.
Cozy Up their Space
Every pet likely has a special place in the home that is all their own. During cold temperatures, it can be helpful to make their place snug and full of warmth by incorporating extra pillows and blankets. Additionally, if you have a space in your home that is generally warmer than others, consider adding an extra sleeping place in that spot to give them a more comfortable space to keep warm.
Keeping your pets safe this winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. All it takes is a little bit of extra love and care, and your pets will thank you deeply for keeping them warm and safe this winter season.
