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As temperatures around the nation drop this winter, many people have taken out their winter gear and are spending time bundling up in warm clothing before braving the frigid temperatures that are outside their door.
Humans, however, aren’t the only ones affected by cold temperatures — pets feel them, too.
Although fur can keep pets warm, it’s not nearly enough to keep our animal friends safe during winter storms.
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Keeping pets safe during winter is crucial, AmeriVet national medical director Dr. Brian Hurley told Fox News Digital.
"If our pets are not protected against cold weather, they are at risk of developing hypothermia and frostbite," Hurley said.
Dr. Brian Hurley of Massachusetts shared five important tips for keeping pets safe this winter. "My general rule of thumb is when you do not want to be outside for long periods of time due to the cold, I would bring your pets indoors, too," he said. (AmeriVet Veterinary Partners)
The Massachusetts-based doctor recommended five tips for keeping pets safe in winter.
1. If it’s too cold for you, it's too cold for them
If you’re shivering during your winter walk, it’s likely that your pet walking beside you is cold, too.
When the temperatures hit below 32 degrees, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping pets within the comfort of your home.
"My general rule of thumb is when you do not want to be outside for long periods of time due to the cold, I would bring your pets indoors, too," the veterinarian said.
Provide proper shelter for pets if they must be outside in cold temperatures, advised a veterinarian. (iStock)
2. Provide adequate shelter
If pets must stay outside, make sure to provide them with proper shelter, Hurley emphasized.
Hurley said the outdoor shelter should be insulated to ensure the pet can escape the elements and stay safe.
Many companies offer heated dog houses to help keep pets warm against the cold winter temperatures.
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There are also various heated dog beds on the market that can help keep your dog warm once the temperatures drop.
3. Bundle them up
If you need to take your dog outside when it’s cold, make sure they have the proper gear to keep them nice and toasty.
Providing pets with a coat or booties can be beneficial for them when they will be spending time outdoors. (iStock)
After you’ve put on your heavy winter coat and accessories like a hat, gloves and scarf, take time to put your dog in a warm winter coat as well. Their fur coats are simply not enough in very cold conditions.
While a coat is a good start, it's up to the pet owner whether to attempt placing foot booties on a pet, he added.
"They can be helpful to protect [the animal] from ice, snow and salted areas," Hurley said.
If your pet isn’t wearing foot booties, make sure to clean off their paws thoroughly upon returning from a walk to remove any salt or chemicals that they may have stepped on along the way.
When going on winter walks, also be cautious of icy areas and try to avoid slippery, often salty, spots if possible.
4. Keep furry friends hydrated
Make sure pets are hydrated during the winter months — something easily overlooked due to cold temperatures, Hurley also said.
Keeping pets hydrated during the winter is crucial to their good health. (iStock)
"Pet owners should carry a bottle of water and travel bowl to give their pets fresh water," Hurley said.
A great option is a collapsible dog bowl you can find right on Amazon. They take up very little space, making them very easy to travel with.
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They also come with a keychain, so you can hook it right onto a backpack or purse when you are on the go, to make sure your pup is hydrated during your travels.
Additionally, he recommended watching the water bowl to ensure it has not frozen over in cold temperatures.
5. Monitor your pets
Paying close attention to pets during winter is crucial for their overall health.
Monitoring your pets can be one of the best ways to ensure their safety during the winter season, veterinarians say. (iStock)
Frostbite and hypothermia are common in pets, so it's important to look for signs, Hurley underscored.
For frostbite, be sure to look out for any discoloration of skin, blisters, cold skin and dead patches of skin.
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To check for hypothermia, Hurley recommended observing whether your pet is shivering, whining, disoriented, has difficulty breathing or has pale gums.
"Just like [humans], our pets can get frostbite and hypothermia when exposed to severe cold weather," he said.
Ask your veterinarian any questions you may have about your pet and the cold weather. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
If these signs are ignored, pets could suffer long-lasting health problems, Hurley said.
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Speaking with a veterinarian about pet safety and frigid weather is helpful, in order to develop a plan in case issues arise, he added.
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