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Winterizing Your Pet

Keeping Them Warm and Cozy
January 7, 2025 by
Winterizing Your Pet
Critter Caretakers Pet Services (Surprise), Tony Bacon
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As temperatures drop and winter approaches, it's important to remember that our pets need extra care to stay warm, safe, and healthy during the colder months. While some breeds are well-equipped for chilly weather, others may be more susceptible to the cold. This blog post provides essential tips on how to "winterize" your pet, ensuring they're comfortable and protected from the elements.

Provide Warm Shelter:

  • Indoor Pets: Make sure your indoor pets have a warm, cozy place to sleep, away from drafts. Consider a comfortable pet bed with extra blankets.
  • Outdoor Pets: If your pet spends time outdoors, ensure they have access to a well-insulated, weatherproof shelter. The shelter should be large enough for them to stand up and turn around in but small enough to retain body heat. Elevate the shelter off the ground to prevent dampness.

Protect Paws from the Elements:

  • Booties: Consider using dog booties to protect your dog's paws from snow, ice, salt, and de-icing chemicals.
  • Paw Balm: Apply a pet-safe paw balm to moisturize and protect paw pads from cracking and irritation.
  • Wipe Paws: After walks, wipe your pet's paws with a damp cloth to remove any salt, ice, or chemicals.

Adjust Exercise Routine:

  • Shorter Walks: Limit the duration of walks during extremely cold weather, especially for older pets or those with health conditions.
  • Avoid Peak Cold: Walk your dog during the warmest part of the day, typically midday.
  • Indoor Play: Provide indoor playtime and enrichment activities to keep your pet active when it's too cold to go outside.

Proper Nutrition:

  • Increased Calories: Outdoor pets may need increased caloric intake during the winter to maintain body temperature. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations.
  • Fresh Water: Ensure your pet has access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. Consider a heated water bowl for outdoor pets.

Recognize Signs of Cold:

  • Shivering: A clear indication that your pet is cold.
  • Lethargy: Reduced activity level or reluctance to move.
  • Curling Up: Trying to conserve body heat.
  • Whining or Barking: Vocalizing discomfort.
  • Lifting Paws: Trying to avoid contact with cold surfaces.
    • Cold ears or paws.
    • Slowed breathing.

Special Considerations:

  • Senior Pets: Older pets are more susceptible to the cold and may have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Provide them with extra warmth and consider joint supplements to manage arthritis, which can worsen in cold weather.
  • Short-haired Breeds: Dogs with short coats may need a sweater or coat for added warmth during walks.
  • Puppies and Kittens: Young animals are also more vulnerable to the cold and should be kept indoors as much as possible during winter.
  • Sick pets: Pets with underlying illness may need extra care during the winter.


Winter can be a challenging time for our pets, but with a little preparation and care, we can help them stay warm, safe, and healthy throughout the colder months. By providing warm shelter, protecting their paws, adjusting their exercise routine, and being mindful of their individual needs, we can ensure our furry friends enjoy a cozy and comfortable winter season.

Call to Action:

Is your pet ready for winter? Contact Critter Caretakers for more winter pet care tips and to learn about our services, including dog walking and in-home pet sitting, to keep your pet happy and comfortable all season long!

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