Pet Preparedness in Winter: 5 Ways To Keep Safe From Extreme Cold in US

The winter conditions can bring significant risks to animals, especially pets. The main concerns are slippery road conditions, hypothermia and frostbites. Prolonged exposure to the weather will be life-threatening to pets.

In the recent weather forecasts, parts of the US have experienced challenging weather conditions, from heavy snow, freezing rain, blizzards and winter storms.

The wind chills and heavy snow can become difficult for pets. As a result, homeowners should never leave them unattended to avoid cold-related health concerns.

Meanwhile, homeowners should keep updated with the latest weather reports in the US. Prolonged outdoor plans are not recommended, especially if they bring their pets.

Pet Preparedness in Winter

(Photo : by John Normile/Getty Images
Buffalo, New York. Pets are at risk of colder temperatures and winter conditions in the US. Pet owners should protect them from threats of challenging colds and weather hazards. The challenging weather will become more difficult for dogs, and they can escape from leash. Microchip and pet identification are life-saving when they become missing due to winter storms.

With the colder weather and winter beginning, pets are at risk of heavy snow and other weather threats.

Here are essential cold reminders to keep them safe from the below temperatures this week.

Also Read: Winter Conditions, Ice-Covered Roads Can Become Dangerous to Pets After Dog Fell From 60-Foot Cliff in Michigan's Lake Superior

Check For Signs of Hypothermia

The report warned that hypothermia can become very dangerous to pets. Owners should stay alert for signs of hypothermia, such as being anxious or whining.

Remove Snow on Pets

After any outdoor activities, pet owners should remove any snow in their pets' food pads. Protecting their paws is also recommended to prevent potential irritation due to ice.

Wearing a Pet Sweater and Coat

Customized sweaters or coats will ease the extreme to-freezing temperatures in the US. Homeowners should check their coats and skin, which can become dry due to the cold outlook.

Microchip and Updated Pet Identification

The challenging weather will become more difficult for dogs, and they can escape from leash. Microchip and pet identification are life-saving when they become missing due to winter storms.

Keep Out of Ice-covered Roads or Ponds

When homeowners bring their pets, they should watch out for ice-covered roads and ponds. Limiting activities in the said areas can keep them safe.

Pet Safety

In the recent NWN report, the ice conditions can become dangerous to pets, especially adventurous dogs. A three-year-old dog managed to escape from his owner. The young dog accidentally fell from a 60-foot cliff in Lake Superior in Michigan.

The National Park Service (NPS) reported that a young dog called Dancer escaped and ran away from his owner near the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. With the help of rescuers, the pet was immediately rescued.

As a result, the American Red Cross warned of potential health risks of colder temperatures in the US. Homeowners should not let them roam outside or without any supervision