Pet Cold Weather Safety and Health

At The Pet Market, dogs visit our stores every day in every season, and winter can bring unexpected dangers to your beloved pets. A few simple precautions protect your pet in the cold and rainy months ahead. We’re here to provide you with pet safety tips for cold weather and some of the best quality products to help make sure your pet is well-cared for every day throughout the winter months and beyond.

Keep Dogs Warm During Walks

Are dogs more resistant to cold weather because of their fur? The answer is “No!” They are just as susceptible to frostbite and hyperthermia as humans! Cold weather pet safety will keep your pet healthy and happy.

• Grooming helps protect dogs from the cold.
  • A matted coat prevents a dog from staying warm because mats trap moisture against the skin and prevent proper airflow and insulation.
  • Never shave your dog in the winter because a longer coat provides more warmth.
• Consider minimal outdoor time for some dogs.
  • If it’s too cold for you to spend much time outdoors, it’s too cold for them!
  • Never leave dogs in a cold car.
  • Be sure to have a cozy indoor place for dogs to warm up and sleep after a chilly walk, away from drafts.

Dog Clothes for Winter

Should dogs wear clothes in winter? While some dogs can keep themselves warm, others cannot. A coat or sweater simply acts as an additional layer of insulation. Where can I fit and buy dog winter clothes near me? Read on.

• Short hair, short legs, young dogs, and seniors need extra warmth.
  • Short haired dogs and short legged dogs will likely become colder, faster. Definitely consider a coat or sweater for both.
  • Both young dogs and older dogs have difficulty regulating their body temperatures and are less efficient at generating heat. Minimize their outdoor time and monitor them closely. Winter dog clothes for young dogs and older dogs is a must.
• Look for good quality with a high collar or turtleneck. They should include coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.
• Wool sweaters can be an especially good choice because wool is not only a great insulator, but it breathes and absorbs water, which can prevent dampness and chills.
• Our Pet Market stores can help you fit the correct coat or sweater for your pup, and we sell hand-knit sweaters from Ecuador that are beautiful and provide excellent warmth. Dog walking clothes for winter must fit well to give maximum warmth without restricting movement.

Help Dogs Who Escape or Need Identification

• Keep dogs on a secure leash.
  • Dogs can lose their scent when playing or walking in the snow and, as a result, can easily become lost.
  • More dogs become lost during the winter than during any other time of the year.
• Pet tags and microchips are vital all year round, but because more animals are lost in the winter, it’s an especially important time to make sure your dog can be easily identified if lost. We can make same or next day pet tags in our stores, and our selection of quality collars and leashes will keep your dog ready for the world.

Protect Your Dog’s Paws

• Salt and chemicals are irritants to paws and dangerous if ingested.
  • Clean paws immediately after every walk.
  • The simplest and quickest method is disposable pet wipes.
  • There are antibacterial wipes, like Pawz Sanitizing Wipes, and simple grooming wipes.
  • Some grooming wipes are designed for sensitive skin or contain aloe. We carry a large selection.
  • A warm, moist cloth after walks is another option.
• Dog boots work wonders.
  • Most dogs are not happy about boots at first! But if introduced gradually, most will accept them.
  • It’s crucial to get a proper fit.
    

• Ice and Cold Temperatures.
  • Both cold temperature and ice can be especially hard on your dog’s paws.
  • If boots are not an option for you, paw protectant balms like Natural Dog Company’s “Pawtection” provide a protective barrier for paws. Natural Dog Company also makes “Paw Soother” to moisturize and treat chapped, rough paws.
  • We carry other excellent products like Musher’s Secret and Pawz Max Wax.

Immunity Support

• Immunity support is more important than ever in winter months.
  • A healthy immune system helps fight off disease.
  • We sell a wide variety of products that support your pet’s health, including Nupro, an outstanding supplement made for both dogs and cats.
  • Our staff can also show you additional supplements, immune supporting treats and products like bone broth, and extremely healthy freeze-dried and frozen raw foods that provide an excellent source of probiotics and enzymes.

Antifreeze in Garages or Street Gutters

• Antifreeze poses a severe risk to animals.
  • City residents need to be aware that antifreeze is sometimes disposed of in gutters and can easily be stepped in by your dog. Even ingesting a small amount can be serious or deadly.
  • You can read online about symptoms to watch for.
  • Antifreeze is another important reason to consider boots or to clean paws immediately after every walk, before dogs lick their paws.

Outdoor Pets

• Create the best outdoor environment possible.
  • While we don’t recommend keeping dogs outdoors in winter months, some pet owners find it necessary.
  • The most important things to consider are a high-quality shelter that’s elevated, draft free, insulated, and large enough to turn around but small enough to help maintain body heat.
  • When temperatures drop in the evening, it is highly recommended to allow dogs to come indoors overnight.
  • Another important consideration is to be aware of their water sources freezing. Running water is needed at all times.

Help Community Cats

• Cats often climb into car engines to stay warm.
  • Before starting your car, always bang on the hood in case cats or kittens are nestled in the engine.
  • This occurs far more commonly than you might imagine, and often ends tragically for cats simply trying to survive the cold.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Blizzards and power outages happen. It’s recommended to have food and medication for 5 days.

Report Animal Neglect

• Be an advocate for neglected animals.
  • Many animals are left outside in the winter without proper shelter, food, and water.
  • Please be an advocate for helpless animals and report incidents of neglect to authorities.
  • You can call 311. But even more effective is to go into your local precinct and ask if an officer can come to the scene.
  • It may take more than one attempt to get a result, but many officers are animal lovers and will try to make time to investigate.

Steph Mueller is a retired college teacher who has done animal rescue work as a volunteer for over 20 years, not only in New York City but in South America and with a branch of the SPCA in Europe. She works with The Pet Market part-time as a consultant on promotions and special projects.