6 Cold Weather Tips to Keep Furry Friends Safe

My pals at the ASPCA wanted to share with you all some great cold weather tips to  help keep us safe.

Guest Post by the ASPCA

Baby, it’s cold outside! Few things can be more exciting for a pet than witnessing the familiar outdoors transform into an exciting new world with a blanket of fresh, white snow.

But the cold temperatures can bring a variety of hazards to our furry friends. Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe as winter soldiers on.

For cats:

1. Keep your cat inside if possible, since felines can freeze, get lost or suffer injuries outdoors in the cold.
2. Antifreeze has a sweet taste cats tend to like. Help avoid an accidental poisoning by cleaning spills or leaks.
3. Cats love sleeping in warm places. Prevent burns by protecting your cat from fireplaces, stoves and heaters. Also check under your car in the morning for other cats who may have sought a warm spot.

For dogs:

1. Wipe off your dog after being outdoors to remove salt and other chemicals that can be harmful if licked and ingested. Also consider using pet-safe de-icing salt on your sidewalks and driveway.
2. Trim longhaired dogs to avoid ice and salt clinging to their fur, but don’t go too short or they might get chilly.
3. Consider a coat or sweater, especially for shorthaired pups, to help retain body heat and prevent dry skin.

Winter’s extreme temperatures in many ways can be just as dangerous as high summer heat. That’s why it’s a good idea to look into a pet insurance plan, like ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, just in case something happens, despite your best preparations.

Then you can take a cue from your fur-covered friend and enjoy a beautiful winter!

This is a guest sponsored post