We’ve come to the point in time that the weather has changed and the leaves have fallen off the trees. It is the time of year to get ready for the winter season. In a large part of the country, snow will be on ground soon and the temperature will get chilly. Your pets know it is winter. They get their sweater and react to the shorter daylight very similar to us. Some pet owners leave their dogs out for extended periods of time thinking that animals are adapted to living outdoors. That is not the case with domesticated pets. Pets are not used to living indoors like humans. I would like to give you a few tips for winter pet care.

• The most important in taking care of your pet during winter is to take them to your veterinarian before winter season. Make sure your pet is in perfect health. Older dogs, like older humans, tend to get sick more often in winter. Make sure that your pet has a good check-up.
• If it is chilly outside make sure you watch your pets carefully. A good idea would be to stay outside with them. When you get cold then chances your dog may have cold as well. It’s a sign to take them back inside.
• Watch for risk in the winter. If you live near lakes keep your pets away from the ice. You never know what the thinness of the ice is. If your dog would happen to fall in your pet would have a hard time getting out.
• Keep your pets away from antifreeze. Dogs like to sniff and will drink it if they find some. Antifreeze is really poisonous. Make sure that you clean up all liquid spills on the floor.
• If your dog needs to be kept outdoors for any length of time make sure that they are protected from snow. A nice comfy dog house or dog pen would make your dog safe and sound. Make sure the dog has a nice warm bed and fresh unfrozen water. This is vital. Your dog can get dehydrated in the winter.
• Salt dogs paws. When they come inside the house make sure that you rinse off their paws with warm water. This is important as they try to lick their paws and they may become very ill.
• Be gentle with elderly dogs. Their arthritis can get bad during winter. They may be a bit more awkward when they are outside. In the winter they need help getting up on their favorite couch or chair. Make sure they have a nice comfy bed. A heated dog bed would be great. You may have difficulty getting them out of bed in the morning.
• Take care of your pet during winter and they will be there to keep you company for many winters to come.