Preparing Your Pets for an Illinois Winter
Winterizing Your Pets: Keeping Cats and Dogs Safe, Healthy, and Happy Through the Cold Weather
As we prepare for another Illinois winter, and we usher in holiday cheer, icy conditions can pose unique health and safety risks for our pets. Here are some observations and tips to “winterize” our cats and dogs against winter’s hazards.
Battling the Cold: Adjusting Care for Cats
Cats feel the effects of winter’s chill perhaps most of all. Left to their own devices outdoors, lost cats struggle to find warm shelter and can lose body heat dangerously fast. But enhancing your home and care routines can easily transform the indoors into a cozy winter oasis for cats:
Here are tips from the ASPCA to help care for feral cats in the winter: Top 10 Tips: Caring For Community Cats in Winter
Give Them Warm, Safe Resting Spots
Cats’ smaller bodies don’t self-regulate temperature as efficiently as dogs. They feel cold quicker and rely on warm nooks to hunker down in. Set up plush, insulated beds around your home, placed away from chilly windows/drafts. Maintaining ambient room temperatures around 70°F will keep your kitty comfortable. Offer extra throws, heated pads, enclosed cat condos, and other snuggly sleeping nooks to beat the cold.
Regarding feral cats: Be sure to check for cats under the hood of your car and around the wheels. Thump your car to make sure you see them run away. Cats hide in these places for warmth and get killed if they get stuck in there.
Learn more about what to do, click here: How Do Cats Get Under Car Hoods? What to Do & Prevention Tips
Protect Them from Winter Danger
Do your due diligence to cat-proof your home against unique seasonal hazards. Safely store away any antifreeze, salt/chemical ice melters and holiday decorative plants. Cats can fall dangerously ill or even die from lapping up just a teaspoon of sweet-tasting ethylene glycol antifreeze. Poinsettias, lilies and other festive flowers pose toxicity risks too if nibbled on. Check paws after outdoor excursions for signs of irritating deicer chemical exposure and rinse. Keep companions cats safely housed indoors year-round or supervise patio time in enclosed “catios” to prevent lost cats from succumbing to the bitter cold when caught outside.
Adjust Their Diet
The demands of keeping cozy and energetic in cold weather drive up cats' daily calorie needs by 10-20%, so adjust food amounts accordingly after consulting your vet. Support healthy winter weight gain to give your kitty insulation against the cold. Also ensure ample fresh water is available to counteract feline tendencies for dehydration when outdoor temperatures drop and thirst reflexes decline.
Keep Them Active and Engaged
Prevent boredom-induced behaviors like overeating or aggression by enriching lazy winter days at home. Rotate new toys into the mix, try maze food puzzles to work their mind, set up enclosed cat trees/play zones. Schedule more interactive play sessions using feather teasers and laser pointers to get them pouncing. A tired, enriched cat is a happy, healthy cat!
Here are a few suggestions: Keep Pets Happy Indoors During Bad Weather
Braving the Cold: Safeguarding Dogs Outdoors
While indoor dogs mainly need some dietary tweaks and home enhancements to stay happy in winter, dogs who spend significant time outdoors require some special equipment and accommodations to weather the season safely as temperatures plummet. Here’s how to set them up for success:
Do Not Keep Outdoor Dogs Outdoors in the Winter
We do not advocate leaving dogs outdoors for long period of time, or having them live in their outdoor kennel in cold temperatures. If there’s any doubt, people should put themselves in their place and see how long they can bear it. For giant or long-furred breeds, their thick coats may be enough protection on their own for brief supervised potty breaks. But for short-haired toy breeds, investing in a well-fitted dog sweater/coat is a must to maintain healthy body warmth when braving winter walks or play.
Protect Their Paws
Frozen sidewalks and sodium-rich ice melt chemicals pose risks like chafing between the toes and paw pads or painful frostbite over time. Rinse and dry paws when coming indoors, applying paw balm or moisturizer to soothe irritation and replenish moisture if needed. Trim longer fur on feet—especially around the toes—to prevent painful ice buildup. Protect paws further against ice, snow and salt with fitted dog booties designed for winter outings.
Supervise Their Outdoor Time
When snow falls, many dogs can’t resist diving right in! But inadequate protections and overexposure can still land them in danger. Young and senior dogs have more difficulty regulating body temperature and can become overchilled when left in the cold too long. Frostbite signs to watch for include skin turning white, blue, red or gray, especially around delicate ear tips and tail area. Respect your dog’s time limits for enjoying winter weather safely.
Additionally, remember dogs can struggle returning back through deep snow where paths were cleared initially or hurt themselves sliding across icy ponds. Supervise outdoor winter play to avoid weather-related strains and injuries. Custom dog jackets tailored to your dog’s size and body type will also safely extend their outdoor romping time.
Meet Their Energy Needs
The frigid temperatures, longer nights and busy holiday season all point to up dogs' daily caloric needs by an estimated 10-20% in winter. Connect with us to tailor the ideal winter diet to provide your pup sufficient nutrition for warmth and playtime. Ensure fresh water is always available as well—consider a heated water bowl to prevent freezing, if outdoors.
Here’s some great information on nutritious diets for dogs and cats: Pet Nutrition: Key Tips for Feeding Cats and Dogs
For body and energy balance, we use herbs and food therapies to help with pet energy and health. My team and I will advise you on the optimal diet and nutritional needs specific to your pet after a consultation.
Snuggle up and stay cozy all season long with a happy, healthy dog or cat by your side!