As tough as our pets are, harsh Canadian winters can be rough on them, too! We’ve had a ton of people commenting on how lovely it is to see boots designed to keep their pet’s feet (AND legs) dry. Most importantly, they want something to keep their pet’s legs free of that pesky snowball buildup. With all of the talk about keeping our pets comfortable over the winter months, it seemed appropriate to compile a list of great ways to help your pet make it through the season. Whether you’re on the East or West coast, up in Northern Canada, or down here in south-west Canada with us, one thing is for sure… our pets are cold!
1. Boots
Short, thin haired animals are especially susceptible to colder weather, but no matter the length of the coat, most dogs could benefit from some footwear. One thing we’ve been hearing a lot of customers complaining about are those icy clumps of snow that accumulate all over their pets legs after being outside.We do carry a varied selection of boots, however the Walkin’ All Weather Boots seem to be the most popular right now. Pet owners love the idea of the boot having more leg coverage for preventing ice build up. Plus, they’re cute and stylish!
A lot of people may think that dogs wearing clothing is silly, after all, they do have their very own built in coats! Some dogs, however, have a much thinner and shorter coat than other dogs. Depending on where you live and how thick your dog’s fur is, you may want to consider getting your pooch a snazzy little winter coat. Be careful, though! If the coat gets wet and stays that way, it could end up doing more harm than good, so always make sure your pet is supervised while playing outdoors.
If you’re in a region with more tolerable temperatures, you may still have a good use for a dog jacket. By the time you’re off work, it’s already dark outside! Now your pooch needs a nice long walk, but drivers can easily miss your dog in the dim light of winter. Something reflective like our EcoGear Rain Jackets could definitely come in handy in this scenario.
3. A small addition to your snow shovelling routine
Some pets jump for joy at the first signs of snowfall, but other pet owners find that it’s a daily struggle just to get their pets outside for a bathroom break. Try shovelling a little path from your door to a small area where your pets can travel quickly to relieve themselves. It doesn’t have to be huge. It could be as simple as a small square right outside the door.
4. Watch out for irritants
Waking up to see that the roads and sidewalks have been salted can be a huge relief as it can greatly improve driving and walking conditions. Just make sure if you’re not going to invest in a set of dog boots that you rinse and wipe your pet’s feet when they come inside. If your pet is low to the ground, be sure to check their belly and the surrounding areas as well.
While most of us understand the dangers of Anti-Freeze for our pets, it’s always good to remind ourselves of this hazard as well. Anti-Freeze is very dangerous even in small amounts. If your pet walks through it and licks their feet afterwards, this can pose a serious health risk.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet
Veterinarians love to help pet owners educate themselves on matters regarding their pet’s health! There are no stupid questions, and if you’re ever unsure about a decision involving your furry companions health and comfort, see your vet!
| Hypothermia
If you suspect your pet may have Hypothermia, it’s important to get them to a veterinarian immediately. Wrap them up in some nice warm blankets on the way, but make sure not to use anything hot as this can cause burns and circulatory problems. |
Frostbite
If your pet has frostbite, you should also visit their veterinarian immediately. On your way, make sure the affected area is kept safe and ensure that it is handled with incredible care to avoid further damage. |
