Winter Weather and Pets
Like us, pets need playtime outside to stretch their legs; get exercise and breathe-in fresh air. But, with below freezing temperatures, is it safe to keep dogs and cats outside for long periods of time?
On warm days, pets should stay outside for at least 30 minutes to play with other animals and bond with pets. However, when snow is on the ground, animal health and well being becomes a concern. Most healthy medium or large dogs can walk for 30-minutes if the temperature is above 20 degrees F. Smaller dogs should limit the walk to 15 or 20 minutes if temps are between 20 to 32 degrees F.
Don't assume they are 'okay' because they are wearing a fur coat. After all, think about how cold you still get after wearing a wool coat. Protect pets from cold weather by bringing them inside sooner; buying jackets and other cold weather coats for dogs; and wiping down their foot pads after outside play time.