Tips for Winter Pet Care in Alexandria City and Leesburg

The winter chill is officially here. That means stocking up on ice melt and shovels, plus layering on the coats, hats, gloves, and scarves before heading out to face winter head on.

But just as we take extra precautions to stay safe and warm during these cold weather months, it’s worth remembering that our furry companions need a little extra TLC this time of year, too.

So keep your pet happy and healthy this season by following these helpful tips.

• If your dog or cat enjoys the outdoors, get them acclimated to the colder weather and make sure they don’t stay out too long, especially if the temperature is below freezing.

• Consider a sweater or jacket for short-hair or smaller breeds of dogs.

• Watch for signs of frostbite, typically found on the tail, ears, and footpads.

• Many outdoor cats will try to find warmth and shelter under a car or even a car hood. So to prevent injury, bang loudly on the hood before starting it.

• Check and clean your dog’s paws after each walk. Road salt, snow, and ice can collect on their paws and cause cracking or irritation. Better yet, protect paws with booties.

• Never leave your pet alone in a car on a cold winter day.

• While it may taste like a sweet treat to your cat or dog, anti-freeze could cause serious injury or even death. Be sure to clean up any spills in your garage and keep all containers out of reach.

• As your pet spends less time running around outside and more time hibernating over the next few months, be sure to adjust his diet accordingly.

• If you must keep your dog outdoors, make sure he has a proper place to stay. A dog house that is slightly elevated off the ground, insulated and water-tight, and has plenty of room to move around will help keep your pooch safe and warm.

If your kids help out with pet care and they’re not as experienced as you are, you might want to print and keep a copy of this blog handy.