Experts offer tips for keeping your pets warm as the weather changes

DELMARVA – Even though it’s only fall, experts say it’s a good idea to start thinking about keeping your furry friends warm as the weather starts to change.

Most cats and dogs start to feel cold at around 45 degrees and can especially be impacted if they’re not used to it, like after a long hot summer. Weather conditions such as rain and wind can also play a factor.

For many breeds, keeping their fur slightly longer than normal is enough to keep them from getting too cold. But experts say a sweater might be a good idea for certain breeds such as dachshunds, and older or young pups.

“If you have a very small dog or a very young dog like a young puppy this winter, they’re not able to thermoregulate as well, and so it looks kind of silly sometimes but that’s where it makes sense to use a sweater on a dachshund, especially a young dachshund or an old dachshund.”

Once the temperature drops closer to freezing, outside time should be limited. Dr. Marianne Bailey says if your pet does get too cold, you may find them curled up tighter than normal or trying to get underneath bedding or blankets. They may also seem sluggish or a bit lethargic.

Whatever you do, Dr. Bailey says you should not use any human heating products on your pet.

“Pets that are sleeping or very lethargic, if they’re on heating pads they might not feel well enough to get up or if they’re hurt and they’re laying on one, they might not be able to get up and they can get burned pretty badly from heating pads.”

She adds that the best thing you can do is offer your pup or kitty a warm place to relax.