by Barbara Webber

Created on: November 20, 2009   Last Updated: November 21, 2009

If you have an outdoor pet, winter can pose particular concerns. Animals are not much different from people when it comes to certain things. Animals like to be comfortable, just like us, and some are more suited to the cold than others, just like us. With a few extra precautions and lots of love, you can make winter more comfortable for the furriest members of your family.

Get a Check-up

Outdoor pets should have yearly check-ups and should always be up to date on shots. A good time to schedule a check-up each year is before the cold weather even begins. This way if your pet is suffering from some unseen illness, you can take the extra precautions necessary for the winter months. Be sure your vet knows that this is an outdoor pet and ask him for any tips that he can offer for your particular pet, as he is a professional and as your vet, likely knows your pet well.

Check you Pet Shelter

If you do not have a shelter for your pet, getting something in place before the long cold winter is necessary. When the cold rain or snow is falling, or the winter wind is whipping, you pet needs a place to get in from the elements. You can build a shelter for your pet, or buy one where ever you normally buy pet supplies. If you already have a shelter in place, make sure it is sturdy and undamaged as the winter season begins. You might decide to put some thick blankets inside the shelter to make the ground a little warmer for your pet. If you do this, don't forget to wash them every once in a while to keep your pet clean and bug free. Make sure the shelter is not damaged or cracked in any places, and if at all possible, place it where it receives some warm sunrays for at least part of the day.

Check the Water

During the clod winter months, and especially during the night, your pet's water is likely to freeze over. Just as always, you should replace your pet's water daily. But in the winter, you must be extra diligent to be sure that the water bowl is not frozen over. Some pet shops even sell water bowls that are heated. These require that you plug them in, though, so an extension cord might be necessary here. Even with a heated bowl, you need to freshen the water daily to promote good health.

Warm Dinner

Many people warm up their dog's dinner nightly. This is not exactly a common practice though. In the winter time, it would serve as a nice treat to warm up your dog's dinner. When the weather is cold, who doesn't appreciate something yummy to warm you up from the inside out? Just be careful with this one, if your pet is particularly picky, he might start to demand that you do this every night

Jackets

Some animals appreciate a little extra warmth in the winter time. Horses feel quite comfortable wearing blankets in the cold weather. Some dogs feel extra special in a sweater or coat. But if your outdoor pet is of the feline variety, this might not be an option. No one knows your pet better than you, so it's up to you to decide whether or not to try this winter warming suggestion or not. On a walk through any pet store several types of winter wear can be found to suit the pet of your choice. So, if your outdoor pet is a bit less furry than others, perhaps a little extra covering is the way to go.

No matter what type of pet you own, a little extra love and attention goes a long way to warm the body and the heart. Both you and your pet will benefit from some extra cuddle time in the cold winter months. So don't forget to snuggle your pet, and to review the tips outlined here, to have a safe and happy winter together.

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