How to protect your pets during winter -

Just like us, our pets also suffer in cold weather. While some animals are prepared to withstand freezing conditions, most of our pets are not, so we need to ensure their safety during this time of year.

Pets such as cats and dogs, that may spend a large amount of time outdoors, are at greater risk during the cold months. So we need to take a few steps to make their lives more comfortable, and of course, to keep them safe.

In this gallery we'll take you through a number of preventative measures and things to look out for during winter.

Click through and learn how to protect your pets from the cold weather.

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Checkup - Before the cold weather arrives, take your pet to the vet for a checkup.

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Checkup - Some chronic medical conditions can become worse during winter, so it's important to take your pet for a checkup before the temperatures plummet.

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Reduce walk times - Limit your walk times to avoid exposing your pet to icy conditions for a long period. Take into consideration the dog's breed, size, and age.

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Reduce walk times - If your dog has a thick, long coat, it will tolerate lower temperatures better than a short-haired one. Though it is still at risk. 

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Hypothermia - It's important to be able to recognize the signs of hypothermia in pets.

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Hypothermia - If you spot your animal shivering, anxious, or generally weak while exposed to low temperatures, take them inside straight away.

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Dress them up - If you take your pet outside to play in the snow, for instance, make sure they're wearing a sweater or coat.

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Dress them up -

It's also a good idea to protect their paws. Buy them some boots so they can enjoy the ice and snow.

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Outdoor sleeping -

Unlike other animals, dogs are not prepared to sleep outside in cold conditions. They need appropriate shelter. If they are going to sleep in a dog house, there are a few things that you can do to make it more suitable for winter.

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Bedding - For bedding, use a thick pad, if possible with cedar chips. These absorb moisture, and keep bugs and odors away. Plus, they're completely biodegradable.

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Dog house - If you're building a shelter from scratch, make sure it is at least 5 cm (2 inches) taller than the dog's height when it sits down.

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Outdoor sleeping - Build the shelter above ground if possible, and make sure the entrance is not centered. This will allow the dog to lay in a corner, less exposed to the elements.

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Paws - Examine your pets' paws after walks in icy and snowy conditions. Look out for cracks or any signs of injury.

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Paws -

Trim the furs between your dog's paws. This will prevent ice and snow accumulation in the area. 

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Tag your pet -

Dogs are more apt to get lost during winter as the smells they use to guide them might get subdued in freezing weather.

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Tag your pet - Get them an identification collar, and/or a microchip. Ensure that your contact details are up to date.

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Be prepared - Keep an emergency kit for your pet during winter. You might need something and get stuck at home due to severe weather conditions.

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Be prepared - The same applies to food. Make sure you have a good supply of pet food in case you're unable to go out and buy some.

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Avoid poisoning - Beware of de-icers and antifreeze spills. These product are heavily used during freezing weather and are toxic for animals.

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Beware of sidewalk salt - It can cause chemical burns if your dog steps into it. Carry some unscented wipes and a bottle of water with you to clean their paws.

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Have your home prepared - Make sure your heaters are secured and placed in a way that prevents your pets from knocking them over.

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Have your home prepared - Add a fence around them if possible, to avoid your pets getting burned. 

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Have your home prepared - A pet door can be a great solution. This will allow your pet to go outside and do their business and come back quickly to the warmth.

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Never leave your pet in a car - The temperature in an unheated car drops very fast during icy conditions. It is not safe for any animal to stay in a freezing vehicle.

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Healthy diet - Feed your pets the best food you can afford. This will ensure they have all the nutrients they needed to survive a harsh winter.

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Keep your pets inside - If it's really cold, bring your pets home. They will be safer and much more comfortable.

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Keep your pets inside - Enjoy the company of your pets during winter. It's a great time of the year to bond indoors.

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Want to see more cute pets? - We're sure these pampered pets will put a smile on your face!

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