Temperatures in Southern California are reaching record lows. If you’ve been up before 7:00 am, it’s likely you’ve had to deal with ice on your windshield or frost on your grass. Just this morning, the thermometer at my house was reading just 36 degrees. I haven’t seen temperatures dip this low in quite some time. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen them dip this low in my entire time living in Orange County.
If you are feeling the cold, your pet probably is too. Just like humans, our pets become accustomed to the warm Southern California weather. The cold can make them anxious and miserable. This is especially true for pets left outdoors. The following tips can help you make sure your pet stays warm this winter.
Bring Them Indoors
If you normally let your cat explore outdoors all night or your dog spends most of their time outdoors, chances are pretty good they are getting too cold. While temperatures might not reach as low as other areas of the country, it’s still too cold to stay outdoors, especially throughout the night and early in the morning.
Older pets and larger breeds commonly suffer from arthritis, joint conditions, and back problems. These conditions are aggravated by cold weather. If possible, bring your pet inside where it’s safe and warm.
Try a Sweater
Although not all pets will tolerate clothing, putting a dog sweater or baby t-shirt on your pet can help keep them warm.
Keep an Eye on Their Skin
The cold weather combined with the dry heat inside our homes can lead to a number of skin conditions. Make sure you keep a close eye on your pet for excessive scratching or licking, missing fur, and hot spots. These issues can escalate quickly, so it’s best to have them dealt with the moment you notice a problem. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of action.
Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming and cat boarding in Fountain Valley, CA. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment.