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Well, Northland, winter is upon us! After enduring our first few cold spells of the winter, it got me rushing to make sure our pets were ready for the weather.  In case you happen to be in that last-minute scramble to winterize your pet for the season’s impending cold, here are some cold-weather tips and tricks to help you along the way:

For Outdoor Pets:
Make sure your outdoor dogs and cats have round-the-clock access to water.  When the temperature drops below freezing, water bowls quickly freeze over leaving our pets vulnerable to dehydration.  Address this issue by investing in a heated water-bowl.  They come in many sizes, both large and small, and plug into an outlet.  If your pets aren’t close to the house, use an extension cord to run power to an area they have access to.  Remember, snow is not a safe or reliable alternative to water.  
Shelter is necessary for animals left outdoors for any length of time.  If your pet will be using a dog-house, make sure it is kept dry by changing the lining on a regular basis.  Many pet-owners use old blankets, dog beds, or straw to line their dog houses.   Use a dryer or hang blankets in a dry area anytime you notice they’re wet.  If your animals use a doggie-door into a shed or garage to escape the cold, make sure the area is free from any chemicals that they could accidentally get into.  Antifreeze is especially toxic to pets, so make sure it is kept in a safe and secure place out of reach.
Keep an eye on your pet.  Be aware of any signs that your pet may be experiencing any signs of frostbite or hypothermia, including shivering, whining, or overall weakness/fatigue.  If you notice these signs, bring them inside right away and consult with your veterinarian.

For Indoor Pets:
While some pets acclimate to the cold rather well (especially those bred for cold, or those that spend much of their time outdoors), indoor dogs and cats do not adjust as well. They are used to spending their time indoors where the heat seldom fluctuates.  For these pets, it’s important to prepare them for time spent outside.  Some pets may require a sweater and/or boots for any time spent outdoors, including daily walks.
Just as with humans, pets can warm up with exercise, so keep an eye on your pet. If he/she starts to warm up by running or playing, remove clothing to allow them to cool.
Allow time to cool off by walking or resting for a few minutes before entering a warm house, this may help prevent over-heating.
As cold-weather sets in, often our time spent outdoors with our pets dwindles. Reduced exercise can lead to weight gain over the winter.  Try to come up with creative ways to keep pets entertained indoors; play with new toys or do some laps up and down the stairs.  If that doesn’t work, you may need to consider cutting back on the amount of food you’re feeding to avoid the inevitable winter weight gain.
For All Pets:
Wipe your pets feet, legs and bellies down at least once a day, especially if they’ve been out and about in any public places.  These are common places for de-icers, antifreeze, and other chemicals to accumulate and there’s a good chance they could cause ulcers or irritations if left on your pet.
Stay away from lakes and rivers, especially during the early and late parts of the winter season. At these times, ice may not be thick enough to hold the weight of your pet and could break, causing serious hypothermia or drowning.
Include your pet in your emergency planning: make sure you have enough food and water for them to last several days in case of a power outage.  If your pets frequently travels with you, make sure there are emergency supplies for them in your vehicle in case of a break-down or accident.

Farynn Kimmes has served as a small and large animal veterinary assistant and has interned at a local wildlife rehabilitation center. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainability at UMD.