Thanks to their coat, cats and dogs are better at staying warm when temperatures are low. Nevertheless, they suffer just as much as we do during the winter, if not more. In this article, we will share a few tips on how to care for your pets in the winter.

Cats in the winter

To begin with, cats are very independent creatures. If you have a cat door, your cat might decide to head outside, even when it's cold. In order to keep your cat warm, make sure to leave out some blankets in your house for your cat to use.

You might also like: The essential guide to letting your cat outdoors

Dogs in the winter

If you have a small or short-haired dog, it is possible to find sweaters or coats for dogs. However, you should not leave clothes on them when they are already warm inside the house. You can also find little booties, which protect their pads from getting too cold. Cold sidewalks can cause irritation to their pads, leading to cracks, wounds and infections.

If you are not interested in buying clothes for your dog, remember to dry their paws and body well when you come back from a walk to avoid leaving snow or frost in their fur.

When you are out for walks, make sure that your dog doesn't eat road salt, which is toxic and causes vomiting, diarrhea, and intense thirst.

If your dog has a rather thick coat during the winter months, make sure to brush it regularly.

Things to keep in mind

It's important to know that although dogs and cats have coats to keep them warm, if your take them for walks outside in freezing temperatures, they could get frostbite on their paws and ears.

In addition to this, cats and dogs drink more in winter. Therefore, it's best to refill their water bowls regularly.

Another way that you can keep your pet warm is by placing cushions or baskets in a warm place, away from any cold drafts.

You might also like: 3 ways to spend a better winter with your dog

We hope these tips will help you care for your pets in the winter! If you have any other tips, please share them with us in the comments!

Originally written by Joséphine Boudoux (Yummypets) and translated by Jennifer Eubank.

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