Winter Pet Safety Tips to Keep Dogs Warm During Frigid SouthCoast Weather

The cold weather is here and as you bundle up the kids (and yourself) to head outside, keep in mind your four-legged family members too.

Whether it's a day of play running around in the yard or a walk around the block, keep your little ones safe and protected from the elements.

The Watuppa Pond Weather Station in Westport, MA shared some helpful advice for pet parents to help keep their canines comfortable while Old Man Winter brings frigid temperatures and snowy conditions to the region.

READ MORE: Paws For Celebration: SouthCoast Dogs Live Their Best Lives In The Snow

Keep Pets Indoors

When the weather is pleasant, it's easy to open up the backdoor and let the pups run and play for hours.

However, with the extreme cold and current feet of snow on the ground, try and limit your pets' time outdoors.

READ MORE: Winter Hiking In Dartmouth: Explore Trails For Peaceful Walks, Wildlife and Wellness

Wipe Paws

My two dogs, Griffey and Mo, have this routine down pat.

After going outside to chase, play and do their business, I greet them with a towel in hand as they lift up each paw for me to wipe down.

You may do this too, especially on a wet or rainy day, but the cold can also bring salt, ice and chemicals on the streets and sidewalks that can be harmful to your pets' paws.

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Bundle Up

I never thought to put a sweater on my dogs, but that may change in the future.

For the record, I have two lab mixes who have always been pretty comfortable in the show.

Lately, Griffey, the one with the more sleek and slender coat is shivering when we let him out in the yard.

Do I try a heated dog vest? Warm Coat? Booties? It might be something to jeep in mind for my next week.

Check For Frostbite

Look for pale, blue, grey or white skin on your pets' extremities.

We're talking ears, paws and tail. If you suspect something may be wrong, contact your veterinarian.