It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it could be a dangerous time of the year for your pet. Think animals don’t mind the cold because they have fur coats? Think again. All pets, from cats and dogs to horses and goats are subject 
to hypothermia and even frostbite. It is best to keep your pets indoors. But if that’s not possible for whatever reason, say you have guests over and have to kick the horse out of the house, make sure they have a shelter that is:
- Dry
- Draft-free
- A few inches off the ground
- Big enough for comfort
- Small enough to keep heat in
- Lined with dry, soft padding
Ok, so that’s some pretty commonsensical information, but here are some tips that maybe you haven’t thought of. Keeping warm depletes energy faster. Add a little more food to their diet if they stay outdoors in cold weather to give them that needed energy.
Did you know that pine sap mixed with water makes a poisonous drink for your pets? Keep your pet’s water bowl covered if near pine trees and keep Fluffy away from your Christmas tree stand.
Ever think about your pets’ nails? If they are spending more 
time indoors, they miss out on the normal wear-down from being outside. Trim them as needed, but be careful, trimming too short can cut the quick. Ask your vet for tips.
Did you know that more pets get lost during winter than any other season? Pets can wander off looking for warm shelter or can get lost in the snow when it covers up familiar scents and sights. Keep them on leash at all times when in snow and make sure they are properly identified with up-to-date information.
Last but certainly not least, are you thinking about giving a puppy as a pet? Well, get ready to spend extra time and energy potty training. Baby animals are not built to be outside in the winter and should be in the house always, meaning that there will be a lot more accidents inside. You can save yourself a lot of frustration, and stain remover, by adopting an older pet. Trust us, pets at any age are just as awesome!
Check out some more safety tips here.