Keeping Pets Safe in Cold Weather

Winters in Clifton are no joke. They are rough on cars, rough on the home, and rough on your pets. While you might be on your own for the first two, we have some advice regarding pet safety during the colder months of the year. Our team at Valley Animal Hospital is here to help your pets stay safe in the winter.

Cold Weather Tips for Pet Owners

• Keep your pet's paws clean and dry. They can collect mud and snow which can lead to frostbite or worsen conditions like arthritis. Keep a dry towel handy by the door so you can help your pet wipe down when it comes indoors.
• Check the wheels before taking off in your car or truck. Cats love to nap on top of tires when it is cold outside because of the warmth generated by the engine and the shelter from falling rain or snow. So take a peek before you head out on the road.
• Keep them indoors whenever possible. Some dog and cat breeds don't mind the cold, they are built for it. Others are very sensitive to low temperatures. Get to know your pet's limits and don't subject it to any more cold weather than it can take. If your pet needs to get exercise, do some more playing inside to keep it active in lieu of a walk.
• Skip the baths for now. Moisture collecting in the fur can take hours to dry out and can freeze when your pet steps outside to relieve itself even for a few minutes.
• Don't let your animals wander off. In the snow, the scents that pets use to find their way home are more difficult to track.

Get Quality Veterinary Care in Clifton, NJ

If you have any questions or if your animal has some special pet care needs, get in touch with one of our veterinarians at Valley Animal Hospital. Call us today at (973) 509-5225 to schedule an appointment.