Now that winter is officially here and temperatures are continuing to decrease, are you taking special precautions to keep your pets safe? Similar to how we bundle up in thicker clothing and snuggle up under warm blankets in the winter, pets need special care during cold temperatures and frigid weather conditions.

Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe during the winter months:

  • Never leave your pet alone in a cold car
  • Keep your pets warm. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet
  • Wipe your pet’s paws and underside after being outside
  • Ensure your pet has a thick bed or blanket away from any drafts and off the cold floor
  • Prepare an emergency pet survival kit

If your pet is an outdoor dog, or will be spending a lot of time outdoors this winter, it is important that they have a doghouse which is designed to keep them warm and dry.

The doghouse should include the following:

  • Exteriors should be finished with a weatherproof material or non-leaded paint
  • Bedding materials should be put in the sleeping area; straw is recommended over blankets.   Bedding should be changed every one to two weeks and should be checked daily to ensure that it is dry and comfortable.
  • A burlap or canvas outside flap should be used to provide more weather protection
  • The doghouse should be elevated off the ground

For additional recommendations on how to build the ideal doghouse, visit the blog post “The Ideal Doghouse” or check out the Ideal Doghouse brochure.

Want more cold weather safety tips?  Visit www.ontariospca.ca/blog to learn more.

Let’s all do our part to keep our pets warm this winter!