Don't Lose Your Pets to Winter Weather: Tips for Pet Safety

PETSAFE

If you have a dog or cat, you’re probably used to taking them with you on your camping adventures. But, going on an RV excursion in the winter is different. The colder months of the year are upon us, and it’s important to prepare your RV and your pets for chillier weather.

Keeping your pet warm, healthy, and happy throughout the winter months will make traveling and camping easier on the whole family. Let’s take a look at a few practical solutions that will keep those tails warm and wagging!

Understand the Breed

One of the best things you can do before you hit the road is to research your dog’s (or cat’s) breed. Some breeds to better in cold weather than others. If you have a Siberian Husky, they’re probably going to like the cold and snow more than a chihuahua.

While those might be extreme examples, it’s still important to understand how your breed responds to cold. That way, you’ll be able to adjust how many steps you need to take in order to keep them warm at all times.

Lukewarm Drinking Water

If your pet has been on a long hike with you, offer them some lukewarm (not hot!) water when you return to your campsite. This will help to regulate their body temperature and keeps them hydrated. Giving them cold water might be refreshing in hot weather, but if there’s a chill in the air, it could actually lower their overall body temperature and won’t hydrate them as well as the lukewarm water.

Wipe Their Paws

When your pet has been outside with you for a while, it’s important to wipe off their paws before they get back into the RV. Ice and snow can easily get trapped in your pet’s paws, especially if they have fur between their toes. That can quickly cause frostbite, which can create an even bigger problem for your four-legged friend.

A quick wipe with a towel before they get inside will do the trick! Bonus - it’ll keep your home on wheels clean from muddy, wet paw prints.

Know the Signs of Hypothermia

When temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of your pet experiencing hypothermia increases. When you’re spending a lot of time outdoors with them, the risk goes up even more.

Knowing as much as you possibly can about hypothermia in pets can help to save their lives. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Shallow breathing
• Collapsing
• Slower pulse

If your dog or cat is showing any of these signs, it’s important to contact a veterinarian immediately. Until they can see a vet, do what you can do warm up their internal body temperature as quickly as possible.

The more you understand about keeping your pets safe in the winter, the easier it will be to take them with you on your camping adventures. There’s nothing better than a winter hike with your four-legged friend, or spending the night in a campground with every member of your family - even the furry ones. We hope these tips make it easier for you to enjoy the winter months in your RV with your dog or cat.