We know that you know your fur-baby best, but take these few suggestions for winter pet safety into consideration when gearing them up for the coming cold season.

1. Provide Warm & Dry Shelter

If you plan to let your dog or cat spent the nights outside, you need to ensure that they have some form of a warm and dry shelter, especially during the cold months. Some people have even placed heating lamps and blankets inside the shelters for added warmth and comfort. Always ensure that your fur-ball is completely dry before sending them out into freezing temperatures as well. Have you ever had wet hair during winter and gone outside? Not fun for anyone.

2. Watch Body Language

When venturing outdoors during the winter, be sure that you remain vigilant and keep a watchful eye on the body language that your best friend is non-verbally communicating. Watch for signs of paw favoring or limping. These may be signs that your buddy’s feet aren’t’ responding well to the severe cold, ice, etc. Bring booties and warm accessories, like a jacket or sweater for your furry friend. If venturing far, be sure to pack survival essentials like emergency blankets and waterproof matches. If Fluffy jumps into a frozen river 10 miles into your adventure, the risk of hypothermia becomes a real possibility. Remember that if it’s cold enough that you feel it, they most certainly will too.

3. Maintain Health

Regular veterinary checks help maintain the health, longevity, and stamina of your four-legged child. Your veterinarian can also help recommend items like chewable glucosamine tablets, which aid in joint health or even prescribe a hand-tailored diet for your little buddy, maybe one that’s richer in fats during the winter to help regulate body temperature or a leaner diet during the warmer seasons. Diet and nutrition are important factors in keeping an animal warm when it’s cold outside.

4. Maintain Happiness

As with any living creature, happiness begets longevity. Make sure your pet has plenty of chewable toys (especially if they are in the puppy toddler years) because these not only help foster better dental health, but they stimulate the mind and help promote learning as well. Choose toys and chews that are appropriate for your pet’s breed and size. If you gave a pit-bull a soft rubber ducky toy, chances are that it might make it four minutes. Breeds with strong jaws tend to enjoy the kinds of toys that may sometimes appear to us humans as indestructible. Smaller breeds seem to like smaller toys and prefer the smaller chews. One thing’s for certain; no one enjoys boredom, and our furry friends don’t appreciate it either. Find the right toy for your friend that both keeps him busy and promotes his health.