#1: Ensure your cat cannot sneak outside

Secure all entrance ways to ensure your cat cannot slip outside. Cats may be sensitive to the cold, but they are also mischievous and curious. If you leave a window cracked or a screen door is loose your cat can easily find their way outdoors to explore and end up exposed to extremely cold or inclement weather. Keep your cat inside to ensure they stay safe, healthy, and warm.

#2: Feed your cat a healthy diet

Seek advice from your family veterinarian to ensure you are feeding your cat a nutritious diet. Cats can lose weight as they age which can make them more susceptible to cold. An appropriate diet can also help keep their coat thick and healthy which can insulate them from the cold and keep your cat cozy. 

#3: Keep your cat active

Provide daily interactive playtime for your cat. Figure out what toy your cat prefers and entice them to run and jump which will get their blood flowing and increase their body temperature. Daily play sessions are also important for your cat’s mental and physical well-being. Older cats can benefit from spirited playtime too, but ensure the play session is appropriate for their physical condition.  For example, if your cat has a heart condition or arthritis, they should not chase balls up and down stairs. They may appreciate a more sedate game, such as stalking and pouncing on wand-like toys. 

#4: Keep your cat out of the garage and basement

You may think the garage or basement is a perfect place to put your cat’s smelly litter box, but these areas can get cold in the winter and make a trip to the bathroom uncomfortable for your pet. Putting their litter box in a more convenient location will ensure your cat does not decide to find other areas to powder their nose such as your living room carpet, and will help keep them warm. 

#5: Do not turn down the heat when you leave your cat at home

You may be tempted to turn your heater off when you leave the house in an effort to save money. However, your cat will suffer when the cold starts to set in. Ensure your heating system is reliable and keep the heat on continuously during the winter months.

#6: Provide numerous warm areas for your cat to nap

Cats enjoy a warm place to sleep and they appreciate multiple areas throughout the house they can use as nap areas. Ideas to make your cat’s bed as comfortable as possible include:

• Providing blankets — Place unfolded blankets throughout your house so your cat can arrange the bedding to their liking. 
• Elevating their bed — Heat rises, so your cat will stay warmer if their bed is off the floor. Ensure the bed is on a stable surface so they do not take a tumble when they are getting comfortable.
• Seeking out sunshine — Place your cat’s bed in a sunny spot in your home so they can take advantage of the warm sunshine.
• Trying a heated bed — Heated beds are available if your cat needs extra warmth, but ensure the product is safe for your pet. 

#7: Share your bed with your cat

Snuggling with you is likely your cat’s favorite way to stay warm and sharing your bed is pure bliss for them. As long as their presence does not interfere with your sleep, consider letting them bed down with you to share the warmth.

#8: Recognize when your cat is cold

If you see your cat is cold, you can take extra steps to warm them up. Signs your cat is cold include:

• Seeking lap time — Your cat may be extra-needy but this behavior also may indicate they are chilly and want your body heat to help them warm up. 
• Sleeping on heated surfaces — If you routinely find your cat sleeping on the radiator or your laptop, they may be looking for a warm place to nap because they are cold.
• Curling into a ball — Your cat will tuck their paws and tail under their body to preserve heat when they are cold. This position not only makes them look exceptionally cute, but it also keeps them warm.
• Puffing their coat — Your cat may be feeling chilly if they are hunched close to the ground and puffing out their coat.
• Cold extremities — Your cat’s nose, tail, ears, and paws will start to feel cold to the touch if their body temperature drops.
• Shivering — Your cat may shiver to generate heat through muscle activity if they become really cold. 

Watch your cat closely this winter to ensure they are not getting too cold, and take steps to provide areas where they can go to warm themselves. If your cat is experiencing a veterinary emergency, contact our team at Animal Emergency Care so we can get them the care they need. #AECprevents

The post 8 Tips to Keep Your Cat Cozy appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

#1: Recognize if your dog is sensitive to the cold

Some dogs are more prone to cold sensitivity than others. Small and toy breed dogs, short-haired dogs, and breeds who don’t have an undercoat are more likely to get cold than breeds such as Saint Bernards, Alaskan malamutes, and Siberian huskies. In addition, puppies and older dogs are more sensitive to the cold. 

#2: Dress your dog for the elements

Many dog sweaters and coats are available to help keep your dog warm. Consider a few factors when purchasing your dog’s winter wardrobe.

• Your dog’s willingness — If your dog is not used to wearing clothes, they may find being dressed in winter apparel stressful and upsetting. Introduce the new clothing slowly so your dog can get used to it. Some dogs may prefer items they can step into to avoid having clothing articles pulled over their head. Give them time to adjust to wearing their new duds before taking them on outings to ensure they do not get anxious.
• The clothing’s fit — The apparel should fit comfortably without being too tight. Check the clothing at the neck, armpits, and groin, ensuring you can comfortably fit two fingers between the fabric and your dog. You also want to ensure the clothing is not too loose so they don’t become entangled in the fabric. 
• The clothing’s comfort — Check to see that the material is not irritating to your dog’s skin and that any seams or zippers do not bother them when they walk or lie down. 
• Other dogs —Ensure other pets do not pull or bite on your dog’s clothing during playtime Their teeth can easily get caught in the material.

Wash your dog’s winter apparel regularly using detergent that is dye and fragrance free to prevent your dog’s skin from becoming irritated.

#3: Check your dog’s paws

Ice, deicer, and salt can build up on your dog’s paws during your daily walk. Your pet can ingest harmful chemicals if they lick their paws which can lead to serious health problems. The cold temperatures can also cause tissue damage to their sensitive paws. Booties are a great way to protect your dog’s feet and they are available in every paw size. If your dog rejects the booties, wax products are available that will form a semi-permeable barrier over their paws to provide some protection.

#4: Limit your dog’s outdoor time on cold days

Do not leave your dog outside for long periods of time on extremely cold days. Limit their time to bathroom breaks and brief walks, especially if they are sensitive to the cold. Never leave your dog unattended in a car on cold days (or ever). 

#5: Ensure your dog has places to warm up inside

Provide comfortable, cozy beds for your dog to warm up on when they come in from the cold. Placing a blanket on their bed can help provide additional insulation if needed. Heated dog beds and pads are available for dogs particularly sensitive to the cold, but ensure the product is safe and appropriate for your pet. These products should never be used if your dog has difficulty getting up since they could be burned if they cannot move away when the bed or the pad gets too hot. Also avoid using space heaters which can be knocked over easily and potentially injure your dog.

#6: Know how to recognize hypothermia in dogs

The normal body temperature for dogs is 101 to 102.5 degrees, and hypothermia can set in if their temperature drops to around 99 degrees. When this occurs, blood vessels near the surface constrict to send blood away from the skin, legs, ears, feet, and nose and toward essential organs such as the brain and heart. Hypothermia can vary in severity.

• Mild hypothermia — Your dog’s ears, limbs, and paws will be cool to the touch and may appear pale. 
• Moderate hypothermia — Your dog will start to shiver and their muscles will become tense. While the muscular activity produces heat, it also can make your dog’s movements stiff and clumsy. Other signs include sluggishness, confusion, and pale gums.
• Severe hypothermia — Your dog will stop shivering and their body temperature will drop rapidly. Their heart rate will slow and become erratic. Their breathing will slow down and they will become increasingly lethargic and unresponsive as their oxygen levels drop. 

If your dog becomes hypothermic, get them to a warm area as soon as possible, and warm them using blankets and warm water bottles. They will need prompt emergency veterinary attention to get back to their normal body temperature. 

Keeping your dog warm this winter will protect them from many issues the cold can cause. If your dog is experiencing a veterinary emergency caused by the cold, contact our team at Animal Emergency Care so we can get them on the warm road to recovery. #AECprevents

The post 6 Tips to Keep Your Dog Toasty During Winter Activities appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.