As winter approaches, colder temperatures and harsher weather conditions bring new challenges for pet owners. Keeping your pet warm, safe, and healthy during the winter months requires extra preparation. Winter safety isn’t just about keeping your pet warm; it also means ensuring they have reliable identification, like a microchip, in case they wander off in unfamiliar or snowy conditions. Here’s your guide to preparing your pet for winter, with tips on staying safe, keeping them cozy, and why microchipping is essential during this season.
Table of Contents
1. Keep Your Pet Warm with Proper Winter Gear
Just like us, pets need extra protection from the cold. Some breeds are well-suited to winter, but others need a bit more help staying comfortable outdoors.
- Pet Jackets and Sweaters: Smaller or short-haired breeds benefit from jackets or sweaters, which provide extra insulation. Choose a well-fitting, weather-resistant coat to keep your pet cozy.
- Boots for Paws: Winter can be tough on paws, with snow, ice, and salt causing cracked pads and irritation. Pet boots protect paws from the elements and prevent injuries.
- Indoor Comfort: Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep inside, away from drafts or cold floors. A cozy bed with blankets in a warm spot will keep them comfortable on chilly nights.
- Be Cautious with Space Heaters: If you’re using a space heater, place it out of reach of curious pets to avoid burns or accidents. Keep an eye on cords, as some pets may be tempted to chew on them. Always turn heaters off when you’re not in the room to ensure everyone’s safety.
2. Monitor Your Pet’s Time Outdoors
Pets need exercise all year, but in winter, it’s important to limit outdoor time to protect them from the cold.
- Limit Walks in Extreme Cold: Avoid long walks in freezing temperatures, especially for smaller pets. Short, frequent walks are often better than one long outing. Keep an eye on their behavior—if they’re shivering or lifting their paws, it’s time to go inside.
- Stay Dry: Wet fur and paws can make your pet feel colder. Dry them off thoroughly after coming indoors, especially their paws, which can become sensitive in winter.
- Avoid Ice and Snow Hazards: Keep your pet off icy paths or deep snow, which can lead to injuries. Snow-covered areas may hide dangerous objects or toxic substances like antifreeze, which is harmful if ingested.
3. Update Their Microchip Information for Winter Safety
Winter can bring distractions—like snowbanks, icy paths, and limited visibility—that make it harder for pets to find their way home if they get lost.
- The Importance of Microchipping: A microchip is a permanent form of identification that shelters and vets can scan to link your pet to your contact information. If your pet gets lost, a microchip can help bring them home quickly.
- Ensure Your Contact Info is Up-to-Date: Before winter, check that your pet’s microchip registration has your current contact information. Visit the BC Pet Registry’s registration page to verify your details. Making sure everything is accurate can make all the difference in a safe reunion.
Success Story: Norman’s Miraculous Homecoming
Norman went missing during a winter storm in Kelowna. His family stayed hopeful, and thanks to his microchip, he was found and brought back to them safely. Norman’s story is a reminder of how essential microchipping is, especially during challenging winter weather. Read more about Norman’s journey here.
4. Winter-Proof Your Home and Yard
As temperatures drop, make sure your home and yard are as safe and comfortable for your pet as possible.
- Clear Snow and Ice: Keep pathways in your yard clear of snow and ice to prevent slips. This will make it easier for your pet to move around without risk of injury.
- Secure Your Yard: Pets can become disoriented more easily in snowy environments. Make sure fences and gates are secure, as snow might create new escape routes.
- Pet-Safe De-icers: Traditional de-icing salts and chemicals can be harmful if ingested by pets. Use pet-safe de-icers in your yard to protect their paws and prevent accidental poisoning.
5. Watch Out for Hidden Winter Dangers
Cold weather brings hidden hazards that aren’t always obvious, especially for pets.
- Antifreeze: Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts pets, but it’s extremely toxic. Be cautious when using antifreeze, and clean up any spills immediately. Keep it stored safely away from pets.
- Car Engines and Warm Spaces: In cold weather, outdoor cats sometimes seek warmth in car engines. Bang on the hood or honk the horn before starting your car to ensure no animals are hiding inside.
- Frozen Water Sources: Keep pets away from frozen ponds, rivers, or lakes, as ice can break under their weight. This is especially important if you live near natural bodies of water that may not be solidly frozen.
6. Feed a Little Extra and Keep Them Hydrated
Pets burn more calories in the cold to stay warm, so they may need a bit more food during winter.
- Slightly Increase Their Food Intake: Dogs and outdoor cats in particular may benefit from a small increase in calories to help them generate more body heat. Always consult your vet before making dietary changes.
- Provide Fresh Water: It’s easy to overlook, but staying hydrated is just as important in winter. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, unfrozen water, especially when they come in from the cold.
Be a Part of the 80% Responsible Owners
During our recent events, we scanned hundreds of pets, all with microchips implanted. Only to discover that approximately 20% of the pets’ microchips are not linked to any registries in North America. We recommend all pet owners to double check their pet’s registration and directly registering with us. All you need is the microchip number and/or tattoo code to start the online registration process. For a small, one-time fee of $45, your pet will be protected for a lifetime and you will also have contributed to the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.
Conclusion
Winter can be a wonderful season, but it requires extra precautions to keep pets safe, healthy, and warm. By following these winter safety tips and ensuring your pet is microchipped and registered with up-to-date contact information, you’re setting them up for a secure, cozy season.
A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your furry friend enjoys winter just as much as you do! For more information on microchipping or to check your pet’s registration status, visit the BC Pet Registry.
FAQ
How long can my pet stay outside in the winter?
Pets can handle short outings in the cold, but how long they can safely stay outside depends on their breed, coat, and age. Always bring your pet inside if they’re shivering, lifting their paws, or showing signs of discomfort.
What should I do if my pet’s paws crack in winter?
Cracked paws can be painful. It is best to consult your vet if your pet is injured. Consider using booties to prevent injuries.
Does my pet need a microchip if they’re indoors most of the time?
Yes! Even indoor pets can escape. Winter distractions and weather conditions increase the chance of them wandering off. A microchip provides permanent identification to help them find their way back to you.
Are there specific winter hazards to avoid during walks?
Yes, watch out for ice, snowbanks, and salt-covered paths. These can harm your pet’s paws and may hide other dangers, like antifreeze or sharp objects.
Can pets get frostbite?
Yes, pets can suffer frostbite and hypothermia, especially on their ears, paws, and tail. Limit their time outside, and always check for signs of frostbite, like pale, cold skin or blisters.
