Pet Care 101: Keeping Small Animals Warm in the Winter

Animals of any size require many basic necessities: food, water and love. During the winter months, small animals may require additional help in staying warm. This is crucial no matter what the animal is: a small dog, kitten, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or even a lizard. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep small animals warm during the cold winter months.

Stay Indoors

Even outdoor animals, such as rabbits that are kept in kennels outside, should be brought inside during the colder months of the year. Small dogs, cats and other small animals should be kept inside for the vast majority of the day. Cats should not be allowed out during the winter months and small dogs should only be brought outdoors to relieve themselves.

Additional Bedding

Depending on the animal, additional bedding can help keep them warm. For a small dog, this may mean adding an additional fleece blanket to his bed. For a hamster, this could translate into adding additional shredded bedding to the cage for him to build a warmer place to sleep. For small animals, such as guinea pigs or rabbits, check out the local pet store for additional bedding resources for keeping them warm during the winter months.

Source of Heat

Certain animals may benefit from adding a source of heat such as a hot water bottle. Be wary when using a heating pad, as these can be fire hazards if left unattended. Furthermore, heating pads can cause burns or even kill small animals, especially when left on too high of a setting. Instead, refer to an online or local pet retailer for animal-safe heating solutions, such as a specialized bed that helps retain heat for the animal.

Clothing

Small dogs and even cats can benefit from clothing during the winter months. A comfortable sweater can help keep these animals warm around the house or at night, when the house typically gets a bit colder.

When taking a small dog outside, be sure to provide him with a sweater and if possible, small boots to protect his paws. Stepping on the cold ground for an extended period of time can quickly cause a small dog to develop hypothermia. However, providing them with boots helps to protect their paws, aiding in keeping them warm in otherwise frigid temperatures.

When temperatures drop, it’s important to take extra precautions for small pets. Simple changes, such as keeping the animal indoors or providing them with additional bedding, can help protect them during the winter months. Proper care is vital for keeping small animals alive, especially in a climate that they are not native to.

About the Author: Jennifer Hamelink loves working with animals and volunteers weekly at a local animal shelter. She enjoys writing about pet care as well as about home renovations, credit repair, bad credit loans, and more.