Just because animals have fur doesn’t mean they can withstand cold temperatures. In cold weather, keep pets inside, both during the day and night. Pets left to fend for themselves in cold weather are susceptible to injury and death.
Leave your pets’ coats a little longer in the winter to provide more warmth. If you have short-haired breeds, consider getting them a coat or sweater that covers them from neck to tail and around the abdomen. And if you must bathe your dogs in cold weather, make sure they are completely dry before taking them outside for a romp or walk.
Keep your cats indoors. Cats can freeze in cold weather without shelter. Sometimes cats left outdoors in cold weather seek shelter and heat under the hoods of automobiles and are injured or killed when the ignition is turned on. Banging loudly on the hood of your car a few times before starting the engine will help avoid a tragic situation. (This is true for wild animals in cold weather as well).
If you have an outside pet, they should have a draft-free shelter large enough to stand and turn around in, yet small enough to retain body heat. Use a layer of straw or other bedding material to help insulate them against the cold. Make sure the entrance to the shelter faces away from the direction of incoming wind.
To learn more, visit The Pet Shelter
