January 6, 2022 – Winter weather is officially hitting southern Illinois. While we are watching out for ourselves and protecting each other from COVID-19 and its variants, it is important to remember that our furry friends can be affected by the cold weather too.
Although they may have a layer of fur, exposure to the bitter cold can affect them in ways that they sometimes can not express. So let’s keep them happy.
Meet Abbie. She loves to go on walks and even play catch with one of her many many many tennis balls. She mostly loves checking out the neighborhood and never reacts when another dog barks at her.
Yesterday, Abbie was about to go on a walk, but her owners did not realize how cold it was and decided to give her a treat instead. How else can we keep pets like Abbie safe during this bitter cold front?
- If it is too cold for you, it is most likely too cold for your pet. Allow them to use the bathroom, get some fresh air, but don’t spend long periods of time outside.
- Make sure where they sleep stays warm, away from any kind of cold drafts. (Abbie is spoiled and sleeps with about 3 blankets around her most nights.)
- Although they can get muddy, try to limit how much you bathe them. Sorry in advance for any smelly doggies.
- Be careful when shaving them down. Fur keeps them warm and exposing too much of their skin could get them sick.
- Lastly, as they come back in the house, remember that their paws are probably really cold and dry them accordingly.
We don’t have inches of snow yet, but these precautions can keep your pets from feeling sicker than they should. There are plenty of ways to keep them entertained inside the house.
Just ask Abbie, the cold weather ain’t worth it.
