5 Ways to Keep Pets Healthy and Safe During Winter

All fur coats are not created equal, and just because our pets are covered in fur doesn't mean they're always comfortable in wintry weather.  

Beyond the cold temperatures, winter presents several other hazards to pets that spend time outdoors. 

Q104.3 New York's Maria Milito and The New York Times have some tips on how to winterize our pets and keep them warm and healthy all winter long:

1. Get your pet a coat

Unless your pet is a cold-weather breed, it should at least have some kind of vest to help it retain body heat in the cold. You'd be surprised how much more fun your dog has in the snow in a silly-looking coat. 

But even hearty dogs could benefit from waterproof coats for wet weather—they don't get soaked in urine like fur does and it also makes for less cleanup during the dreaded shake when they get back indoors.  

2. Protect the paws

Our pets explore the world on top of their paws, so it's important to keep their feet in good working order.

Rock salt and ice melt used to de-ice sidewalks, driveways and roads is extremely hazardous to animals. The salt, along with bits of snow and ice, is liable to get in between your pet's toes and irritate them. And you don't want a pet licking chemicals off their feet. 

Furthermore, dry weather can cause calloused paws to crack. There are some products on the market to protect paws, be they Musher's wax or dog boots. 

It's also a good idea to rinse paws with warm water after walks to clean off the outdoors. 

3. Leash Pets When Near Bodies of Water

Whether you're passing by a frozen pond or a large body of water, make sure your pet stays away. It's hard to tell when an ice-covered lake is safe to walk on and some water-loving dogs won't realize the water is too cold for them until it's too late.

4. No Eating Off the Ground 

This is an obvious rule all year 'round, but it's critical in winter weather. When ice and snow hit the ground so do a host of interesting smelling yet poisonous chemicals.

5. Beware Electrical Hazards  

This is a rare yet very real hazard, especially for city-dwellers. Winter storms can bring down power lines and increase the risk of electrifying metal structures on the street with loose wires. Pay attention to your surroundings and your pet's body language after big storms, and try to keep them away from metal surfaces.

Check out the new episode of Maria's Mutts & Stuff on iHeartRadio or this article here for more insight!

Photo: Getty Images