15 Dog and Cat Winter Safety Tips

Dr. Laurel Davis, Western NC holistic Veterinarian, offers Stories from a Holistic Veterinarian, the blog of a holistic vet and “animal interpreter.” With a clinic in downtown Asheville, NC. Dr. Laurel also offers animal health, lifestyle and vaccination advice for cats, dogs and their human friends across the country.

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15 Dog and Cat Winter Safety Tips

Here at Sunvet Animal Wellness Clinic in Asheville, Western NC, we have been experiencing a freakishly mild winter. Trying to write about the hardships of cold weather and its impact on our four-legged love bugs is a bit hard to visualize when it’s 50 degrees outside! But when it comes to winter safety and comfort, it is important to plan ahead. So, in case we get one of our unpredictable mountain cold snaps (or for those of you in other parts of the country) here is my take on being joyful, yet intentional when the conditions are in the frosty range.

15 Dog and Cat Winter Safety Tips

1. If your dog or cat will be outside on days 40 degrees or below, you must have a way they can escape the elements. Create this shelter well before the cold weather so they can become accustomed to moving in and out of it. Cats especially appreciate this kind of thoughtfulness.
2. 40 degrees. This is the temperature I consider to be the tipping point with regards to paying attention to your beautiful beings in the winter. Keep an eye on the forecast, so you can put your winter plans into action when the mercury is going to drop.
3. Hydration! Several points come to mind, because we typically pay more attention to our water intake in the summer. Offer warm water in the winter….cats especially really appreciate this consideration. Felines can easily become dehydrated in the winter because they do not like cold water and will boycott the water dish. All outside water bowls should be checked for freezing and/or the cold water replaced by warm water twice a day.
4. Create lounging spaces in your house that get steeped in sunshine. The sun is at a convenient angle in the wintertime to cover much larger expanses in your home.  Create the space, perhaps by shifting some furniture around, to allow for your animals (and you!) to take a catnap in the sun.
5. For indoor cats, winter is the purrrfect time to place birdfeeders directly outside easily accessed windows for their entertainment.
6. The weather outside may be frightful, so make sure to amp up your play indoors. Burn those calories and get their ya-yas out.  Roll around on the ground with them, play hide and seek and make up new games!  
7. Most of you dog people get this, but remember to time your dog’s last ‘summer cut’ so she will grow her thicker winter coat in before the thermometer is plunging.
8. Keep those short-haired or older dogs warm with appropriately sized fleecy apparel.
9. Be aware that snow and ice can be harsh on foot pads. Snow can consolidate between toes and pads to create tiny snowballs that can cause temporary lameness. Slushy areas that have refrozen are especially hazardous. There are some humans that will brave running or biking on this rough terrain, but please don’t take Rover along.
10. But if you do want to get out in less than ideal conditions… there are Snow Boots made especially for dogs. These are available at local pet stores and online.
11. If salt or any other chemical de-icing agent has been used on the walkways or roads, make sure to rinse your buddy’s feet off when you get home.
12. This may be obvious, but never leave your dog in a parked car in the cold weather, it can be just as hazardous as in the warmer months!
13. Heating a body during the winter requires extra calories. If your dog or cat spends a lot of time out of doors consider increasing her food intake by five to fifteen percent.
14. Older or debilitated four-leggeds may benefit from a heated bed or, at the very least, an extra blanket between them and the floor.
15. If there has been a spell of nasty weather, some smaller dogs and cats are then reluctant to venture out again. Make an effort to gently reintroduce them to the wonders of the outdoors. It is good for all of us to take in the fresh air and have the earth underfoot again.

Love, common sense and intention are all you really need to care for your fluffer-nutter companion during these colder months. Slow your pace a bit, and, as they would say, “Hang with me, clown around with me!”

Shine on!

Dr. Laurel 

Dr. Laurel Davis is Western NC holistic Veterinarian offering phone and Skype consultations for animal lovers everywhere. Call 828-254-2221 or order an Ask Dr. Laurel™ phone or Skype session or bring your dog or cat to her downtown Asheville, NC clinic. Read more patient stories.

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