If you think the winter chills can get uncomfortable for you, just imagine what it’s like for your four-legged friends who only have their fur (and your snuggles) to rely on. Here are 10 tips to make your home more comfortable for your pets during the colder months.
- Keep them indoors. Keep your dogs or cats inside the house as a general rule in the winter months. Not only is it safer for them, it also becomes easier for you to observe them and attend to their needs.
- Watch them closely when they spend time outside. Your pets will still bug you to step outside the house every now and then. Add their exercise and playtime on your schedule so you can keep an eye on them when they spend time outside.
Keep your dogs on a leash whenever you step out. It might also be a good idea to make them wear a sweater, especially if they have naturally short fur.
- Wipe salt off their paws regularly. Salt and other snow-melting solutions can cling to your pets’ paws and cause irritation or poisoning when they lick them clean.
- Keep your antifreeze solutions out of reach. If you use antifreeze for your car engine, be sure to clean up spills and store the containers somewhere your pets won’t find them.
- Adjust their dietYour pets’ activities might change significantly during the winter season, so they will need some tweaking for their regular diet.
In most cases, keeping their bodies warm uses a lot of their energy, so adding calories might be necessary. In others, your pet may be less active, so cutting down works better. Check with your vet whenever you’re unsure of what’s best for your pet.
- Give them plenty of water. Regular hydration also helps your pets manage their energy. Make sure that the water doesn’t get too cold. Use plastic water bowls because their tongues could get stuck to cold metal.
- Always check under your car before starting the engine. Your pets might seek warmth under your car. Cats even tend to crawl up under the hood or wheel well. Make sure to check before starting your car to prevent any injuries.
- Keep them away from radiators and other burn risks. Radiators, stoves, and other heat-generating appliances can also attract your pets during chilly days. Block these off as much as you can to prevent burns and other injuries
- Spend a lot of time with them. The extreme change in conditions both inside and outside the house is unsettling for your pets. Keeping them close to you during this time can help them – and you, as well – feel more at ease.
- Be a good neighbor. Look out for other pets that may be left out in the cold, as well. Call up your neighbors if you see their pet outside and unsupervised.
Making a home is a lot more fun with your beloved pets around. Want even more tips? Get in touch with me, Michelle McQuade. In addition to being a top Realtor in Cleveland, I’m also an avid supporter of local animal welfare organizations like Rescue Village. Give me a call at 440.823.2449 or send an email to MichelleMcQuade(at)HowardHanna(dotted)com today.