Pets are a true part of the family, which is why keeping them safe and warm is such a high priority. Here are some simple safety rules!
SET YOUR THERMOSTAT DURING THE DAY
When you leave to go to work or for any other reason and you’re going to be gone for a while, don’t forget that your pet needs to stay warm. Animals typically have a much larger range of temperatures where they’re comfortable, so if you’re away, set the thermostat between 60 and 70 degrees.
PROVIDE SHELTER FOR OUTDOOR PETS
Even if your outdoor pet tends to stay inside more during the winter months, it doesn’t hurt to have some type of shelter outside just in case. In addition to a shelter that will help them stay warm, be sure to set up a feeding station there so they can eat at their leisure.
GET A SWEATER AND MAYBE BOOTIES
Even though some dog owners like to dress up their pets because it makes them look cute, sweaters do a great job at keeping then warm. And if ice sometimes collects on his or her paws, then you may want to pick up some booties too.
FEED OUTDOOR ANIMALS A LITTLE MORE
Staying warm can be tough for outdoor animals during the winter season because their bodies burn more energy to keep warm. With each meal, give these pets a little extra food so they’ll have more fuel to use.
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO OLDER PETS
As pets age, they can suffer from arthritis just like humans do, which makes them more susceptible to the cold weather. If you notice that your older pets appear to be uncomfortable, you may want to consider getting some pain medication from your vet.
IMPORTANT REMINDER! We know that animals have ways of dealing with heat or cold better than humans. While, for the most part, animals are born survivors, it’s important to remember that they have no way of communicating when the weather becomes too much for them to bear.
ALWAYS USE VENT COVERS
Pets will get into the smallest places. They can be curious when they are unaware of the dangers that exist within your home’s heating and cooling systems. Depending upon the size of the vents in your home, your pets can potentially enter them and become stuck. Be sure to place vent covers throughout all the entry and exit points that exist within your home. Deny access to any areas that can become a safety hazard for your animal and it will help to prevent accidents from occurring in your ventilation system and will keep your pets out of danger.
KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY FROM HEATING/COOLING EQUIPMENT
Generally, your home comfort equipment, including equipment outside, in your basement or otherwise, should be safe to navigate around. However, if you have small pets in your home, it’s important to take some safety measures to ensure that they cannot access and tamper with the equipment. A pets interaction with your HVAC equipment can cause them to become injured, and it may also damage your equipment and household.
Here are a few ways to safeguard your HVAC equipment:
- Do not allow pets around equipment unattended
- Block or fence off areas where dogs and cats can enter and become stuck
- Teach animals to keep away from certain areas in your home
- Lock basement doors and rooms with heating and cooling equipment
As members of the family, our pets must be protected at all times. At TMS, we’re here to help keep all members of your family warm and comfortable throughout the cold winter season!
