1.) Make sure your pet has adequate shelter. If your pet isn't going to be indoors with you, then make sure they have an place to stay warm. This should mean an insulated and draft free shelter. In cases where the temperature is dangerously low (such as today) I would strongly suggest allowing your pet inside where there is heat.
2.) Have adequate water and food available. Also, make sure that the water isn't frozen. When temperatures are cold pets have a higher metabolic rate, so will need more calories. Make sure that enough food is available to them.
3.) Protect pets feet. Many people will put out salt to help with the ice on driveways. This can be irritating to pet's paws, so make sure to wipe down pets feet after being outside. Also make sure that pets are not running over sharp areas of ice or snow that could cut their paws. Booties are available for dogs and many dogs are surprisingly tolerant of them.
4.) Watch for ice. Dogs tend to have a better footing than people, but they can still take a tumble on the ice. Especially with older pets, make sure that the walking routes you are taking are clear and ice-free.
5.) Lastly, make sure that any antifreeze is stored up and out of the way of pets. A very small amount of antifreeze ingested by pets can put them into kidney failure. For those do-it-yourselfers, make sure to keep this liquid away from your pets.
Hope everyone stays warm and safe during the current cold streak. Happy New Year!!!
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