Depending on where you live, the weather during the winter months can range from a light rain to freezing cold—but to your pets, cold is cold. Therefore, it’s important to protect companion animals this winter from falling victim to freezing conditions. Take necessary precautions when temperatures drop by taking advantage of information you can get from your veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS, including these helpful tips:

• Keep dogs and cats inside: Whether you plan on being gone for half an hour or just five minutes, do not leave your cats to roam outside or your dogs tethered in the yard when temperatures are low. The weather can change in an instant, going from a slight chill to ice cold, and if your dog is tied to a tree, he or she will be unable to seek shelter from the harsh elements should you be gone longer than expected. Err on the side of caution and leave pets safe inside your house while you are out and about.
• Monitor outdoor time: Letting the dog out to go to the bathroom or to play means remembering to let them back in at some point. With our lives being so busy these days, it’s no surprise that even the most well meaning pet parents can lose track of time. During the cold winter months, it is crucial that you don’t forget your furry friends—if you’re not outside with them, take a peek out the window every now and again and set a reminder alert on your phone.
• Secure pet doors: Pet doors can be convenient, but when the weather gets rough, go ahead and keep them shut. Giving your cat or dog the freedom to come and go as they please during winter days is not safe, as animals may inadvertently wander outside into storms or freezing weather.
• Don’t leave pets unattended in vehicles: Much like leaving a pet in a scorching car on a hot summer day, dogs and cats can freeze in winter if left in a car unattended. Wintertime can turn a vehicle into an icebox, an enclosure that is more than capable of holding in the bitter cold, which can lead to trapped pets suffering from cold exposure or freezing to death. If you pull a hypothermic animal from a cold vehicle, call a veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS immediately.
• Make sure dogs are geared up: As soon as you return from walks or outdoor play, remove moistened accessories like doggie jackets, booties and collars—these items need to dry out before they can be used again. Also, by thoroughly drying off your dog’s fur from head to tummy, tail and paws, you can stave off the possibility of your pet coming down with an illness.

If it’s too cold outside for you, then it’s too cold for them—the safety of your pets this winter relies on you using your common sense. When your dog or cat is due for their regular health exam, or if an emergency situation comes up, contact D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital for a knowledgeable veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS.