Preparing Your Pet for Cooler Weather: Essential Tips for a Healthy Transition
Most of us are used to grabbing our jackets and scarves when the weather gets cooler, but our pets might need a little help getting used to lower temperatures. Even here in balmy Florida, winter weather can feel chilly.
The team at Animal Medical Center has tips to help you prepare for winter pet care. Here’s what you should know about winterizing pets in central Florida.
Preparing Pets for Winter
Whether you’re spending the winter in the Sunshine State or heading somewhere cold with your pets for some snowy cheer, use these cold weather pet tips to prepare.
1. Provide Warm, Cozy Shelter
Whether your pet likes spending time outside or prefers hanging out with you indoors, giving her a dry, warm space to rest is essential. We suggest covering both bases at once. Offer a warm bed in a dry shelter for respites during outdoor play, and make sure Fido’s bed is big, fluffy, and clean indoors, too.
Regularly check on both the indoor and outdoor warm spaces to make sure they aren’t wet or dirty from the elements.
2. Dress for the Weather
Rain, wind, and snow can all make your pet (and you) uncomfortable. But getting that daily playtime is still important, so if it’s safe to go outdoors, dress for the weather.
Short-haired dogs, puppies, and senior pets can benefit from wearing a protective rain jacket when you venture outside. These same pets will also appreciate the extra warmth that comes with a fluffy sweater or vest.
If you spend time up north in a place with colder-than-Florida temperatures, consider getting your pup booties to keep her paws warm on your daily walks.
3. Keep Safety in Mind
Winter means less daylight all around, and keeping your pet safe during outdoor playtime is essential. This means putting a reflective vest on your pet to make sure he’s visible to oncoming traffic. You should wear one, too!
If you use antifreeze to prepare vehicles for the winter weather, keep it locked and secure out of your pet’s reach. Avoid using space heaters when your pet is home alone—these can all too easily be knocked over, which poses a fire hazard.
And of course, cooler weather means readying pets for winter treats. Instead of giving your furry friend your leftover Halloween candy or Thanksgiving treats, which could be dangerous to your pet’s health, make some pet-friendly treats to loop her in on the fun.
A Pawsome Fall
Do you need help winterizing your pets and making sure they’re healthy as cooler weather approaches? Contact the caring team at Animal Medical Center to schedule an appointment today. Pet health in winter is important to us, and we’ll help you prepare for cooler weather at home or on your winter vacation.