Winter may bring everything from cool, crisp breezes to gray days filled with snow and ice. Regardless of how low the temperature gets, your pets may still beg to play outside. It’s up to you to determine how well your pets get along in cold weather, but there are steps you can take to ensure their safety.

Exposure to dry, cold winter air, chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws. Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can also cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in between the toes.

Using Earthrated Pet Wipes to clean your pet’s feet after walks will help keep feet clean and remove any irritants. Adding a supplement such as salmon oil or pollack oil to your pet’s grooming routine can help relieve his dry skin.  Brilliant 100% Salmon Oil or Ultra Oil with Sardine, Anchovy & Hempseed have the added omegas needed to keep skin healthy.

If your dog is short-haired, consider getting a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear. We love the new Kurgo Loft Jackets in liberty and river run prints.

Frequent bathing during cold weather can remove essential oils and increase the chance of your pet developing dry, flaky skin. Regular brushing can keep your pet’s coat clean and from becoming tangled and matted, but if your pooch must be bathed, use a conditioning shampoo such as Skout’s Honor 2-in-one Shampoo with Conditioner and probiotics.

Pets burn extra energy trying to stay warm in wintertime. Increasing your pet’s feed during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, but be mindful of your pet’s appropriate weight. Do not offer so much food that they gain weight to a dangerous level in winter Consider adding a bone broth topper like The Honest Kitchen’s Broth Pour Overs to their meals. Making sure they have access to plenty of water will help keep them well-hydrated.

Your companion animal should have a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect. It can be tempting to put pet cages and beds close to heaters in the winter, but this could lead to dangerous overheating. Take care that your pet is not suffering from too much heat, and that they are not at risk of injury from fireplaces, candles, space heaters, or other heat sources.

Remember, if it is too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.   While it’s important that your pet gets good exercise year-round, outdoor play and long walks may not be safe in very cold weather. Instead, take shorter walks and plan indoor games to keep your pet exercised and in good shape. Try puzzles from Outward Hound or one of the treat dispensing toys from KONG. New games will also provide mental stimulation to ward off anxiety, stress, and depression.

Care-A-Lot Pet Supply offers a wide selection of pet supplies to help your pets enjoy a comfortable, safe winter. Order online or visit any of our four locations. If you have questions about what’s best for your pet, click the red button on our site to speak with a customer service representative.