Tips to protect your pet from the cold this winter

Cold winter temperatures affect humans as much as pets. Indeed, our four-legged friends need us to protect them from the cold and to keep them safe in the winter. Take all necessary actions to allow your cat or dog to enjoy the cold season.

Here are eight tips to apply to effectively protect your animal throughout the winter:

Protect your animal's paws

Pet boots are both cute and useful. They significantly reduce the paw pad burns that your cat or dog can suffer from due to the cold, ice and salt.

If you do not like to use pet boots, don't forget to rinse and wipe your animal's paws after a walk before it has time to lick them.

Check under your car before starting it

Small pets look for warmth and they may want to hide under your car. It is important to check under the car or to knock on the hood once or twice before starting it.

Use a ice melter that is safe for your animal

You cannot choose what your neighbours use as a de-icing product, but in your driveway, you're in control. Use a pet friendly ice melter such as our new and improved Alaskan formulation.

Take your animal inside

In the winter, animals should not be left in the cold. Your dog or cat should have access to the warmth of a house or barn. Also, it should have access to non-frozen water.

Take shorter walks

It is essential to reduce the duration of your walks when it's cold (10 minutes or less). Although your pet has a thick fur coat, its nose, ears and paws could suffer from frostbites.

Give your animal more food

In the winter, cats and dogs burn more energy and calories to keep warm, just as we do. Therefore, it is important to give your animal a little more to eat.

Use caution with antifreeze

Antifreeze is toxic for animals. That type of product can build up on roads and driveways. Animals like the smell and taste of antifreeze, but it can be lethal, even in small amounts. Keep all antifreeze containers out of your pet's reach and avoid spills.