Here at Glass Doctor of Raleigh, we believe pets are family members too! It is recommended to install pet doors to help protect your animals during those harsh cold seasons. Along with adding pet doors to your home, below are a few tips provided by the American Humane Society about how to keep pets safe during the cold and winter seasons:
Keep Pets Indoors…
During the severe and cold, wintery weather seasons, don’t leave your pets outdoors. Keep pets indoors, but take them out frequently for small walks and bathroom breaks. When taking your pets outside, consider some cover protection, such as a sweater, especially for short-haired animals. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and can get frostbite and hypothermia just like humans so be sure to check the skin on their noses, ears and paw pads for any frost bite indications.
Pets are the happiest during the cold weather. If you need to keep your pet outside be sure to keep them in a dry, draft-free area that is large enough to allow your pet to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor needs to be a few inches off the ground. It is recommended to place straw or cedar shavings on the floor. Drape heavy plastic over the doorway to help keep out rain and cold air.
Give your pets plenty of food and water…
Make sure your pets have plenty of food & water. They need more in the winter because keeping warm uses up more energy. Check your pet's water dish often. Make sure it did not freeze. Use plastic bowls not metal so their tongue does not stick to the metal.
Protect paws from salt…
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe your pets feet with a damp towel to help remove any hazardous chemicals accrued.