Preparing Your Dogs For Winter - Winterize Your Pets

Preparing Your Pets For the Winter
By John Grimes

As winter comes on in full force, we all buckle prepare our homes, cars and the like to stay warm for the coming low temperatures. You should also be preparing your pets for the coming cool weather.

We tend to think of our pets as hardy creatures. They can handle cold, water, snow and the like without any health problems. After all, they were once wild animals, right? Well, we used to live in caves as well, but you don't see me spending time out in the elements. The same goes for your pets. Just because they are animals does not mean they can automatically handle the winter weather.

If you keep a dog outside, you need to do some research. Not all pups are able to handle the cold weather. Look up your breed online or ask a vet about how you should care for the pup during the winter months.

Even if your pup can handle staying outside in the cold, you should take some basic steps to make things comfortable for them. A dog house is a must. Make sure to turn it so that the opening in the front is not facing the wind. The wind can drop temperatures significantly, so help your pup out. Try to keep the house slightly off the ground to avoid problems with rain water flooding it. Also, put a blanket in so your pup has something to sit on that isn't freezing cold like the floor.

Keeping pups active is another key to helping them through the winter. We all tend to buckle down for the winter, but your dog needs to stay in shape. Throw a ball around the yard. If it is to cold, bring the pup in and play inside the home or garage. A dog in good condition is a dog in good health.

For those of you with feline friends, the winter may not be a challenge. Some house cats simply will not mind the changing seasons at all. If you have a cat that likes to get outside, however, you need to take some steps to help them through winter. The biggest issue of cats is boredom. Give your cat something to do. Balls of yarn, toys, bird feeders and the like are all worth a go. They will keep the cat busy and let it exercise. Remember, a bored cat is grumpy and likely to do a number on some of your furniture.

Obviously, there are many other types of pets. The key with most of them is keeping them comfortable in relation to warmth. Make sure to research their needs so you do not have a tragedy in the middle of winter.

John Grimes is with http://www.allterrainco.com - makers of natural products for pets and humans alike.

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