Winterizing Your Pets
Begin preparing now for the cold weather ahead.
Depending upon where you live, winter may arrive sooner rather than later. Don’t get caught unprepared; begin winterizing your pets now for the bitter weather ahead.
Outdoor Pets
If you own an outdoor pet, you’ll want to make sure that its house is snug and toasty for the potential bitter weather ahead. The best solution is to bring your pet indoors, especially during the colder weather. If that is not possible, you’ll need to take some special precautions to ensure your pet’s safety against the bitter elements of winter.
Animals are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, just as we humans. In addition to a warm house, you’ll want to include bedding. The bedding should be changed periodically with clean bedding which will greatly reduce bugs and parasites. Always make sure that the bedding is dry as winter months tend to be wet. The water bowl should be filled daily with fresh water; it’s very common in colder areas for the water bowl to freeze over.
Don’t forget other outdoor wildlife. These unexpected visitors will appreciate all bread, birdseed, peanut butter, suet, nuts and fruits.
Indoor Pets
Birds can become ill if left in cold, drafty areas. Purchase a cover for the birdcage to block out drafts and help seal in heat.
Provide your rodent pets with a bit of extra bedding during the colder months. These burying animals will appreciate the extra layer of snuggly warmth.
Purchase a bed for your cat or dog if you currently don’t own one. Most cats and dogs prefer to be left uncovered, although I did own a dog once that loved being tucked in for the night. Dogs love to den; a pet carrier (with the door removed) makes a cozy, warm spot for them.
If you’ve been nurturing an aquarium all summer without a heater, you’ll need one now for your tropical fish.
Frogs, snakes, lizards and salamanders love and require the warmth of a light.
Summing It Up
Keep in mind that nothing can quite replace the warmth of a master’s embrace!
Click Here to Return to Blossom Possum's Pet Tips
Click Here to Return to House of Hen
Click Here to Return to American Outback