How To Keep Your Pets Warm At Home In The Winter
Winter is a dreaded time for many people and pets alike. Staying warm during the winter is a matter of comfort and even safety in many climates. That’s why you may understandably wonder how to keep your pets warm at home in the winter.
The best way to keep your pets warm at home in the winter is to seal your doors and windows to keep cold air out. It also helps to put sweaters and booties on your pets to keep them warm both inside and outside of your house. Heating pads, beds, blankets, and insulated pet houses can also help them stay warm.
It is often unsafe to leave pets outside during the fall and winter in many climates. Follow along as we highlight how to keep your pets warm at home in the winter.
What Temperature Should A House Be In The Winter For Pets?
Ideally, you should keep your home between 69 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for your pets during the winter. This is typically a comfortable temperature for pets to stay safe at home. Any colder than that, and your pets are likely to shiver and change their behavior.
How To Make Your Pets Comfortable During The Winter
1. Dress Them Up
Not only does dressing your pets up provide great photo opportunities, but it also helps keep them warm. Today, you can find countless affordable sweaters and outfits for dogs and cats. However, it may take some experimentation to find the right clothes for your pets.
Luckily, many pets are easy to read when it comes to their comfort and what they like. You may notice them getting itchy or uncomfortable in a particular sweater. In that case, you may want to pick something new that is made of a different material.
You can even make homemade dog and cat clothing if you have sewing experience. This is a cheap and rewarding way to keep your pets warm at home in winter. It’s even worth just putting a sweater on your dog when you take them outside if you don’t want them to wear one indoors.
2. Use A Heating Pad
Heating pads are just as helpful for dogs and cats during winter as they are for people. You can create a comfortable, warm bed for your pets with a heating pad and a blanket. Simply fold or bunch up a blanket and place it on top of a heating pad.
You can also use a pillow with a blanket on top of it for extra padding. The pillow and blanket will provide a buffer, so the heating pad doesn’t overheat your pets. Keep in mind that the highest heat setting may be dangerous, especially if you have small pets.
Start with the heat setting at low and go up from there if you still notice your pet shivering. Pick a heating pad with an automatic shut-off feature. That way, it won’t run all night, increasing your energy bill and overheating your pets.
3. Use Blankets
Dogs and cats love to lay on blankets for warmth and comfort. Some pets even use their paws to bunch blankets up for extra warmth. You can help keep your pets warm during the winter if you put a blanket on them.
Keep in mind that not all pets like this and they may get up and simply sit on the blanket. That’s fine, however, as even laying on a blanket can help them stay warm. It’s even worth setting out a few comfortable blankets throughout your home for your pets.
Some people place blankets on dog and cat beds whereas others simply lay them on top of furniture or on the bare floor. All of these methods are fine, as long as you place the blanket in a comfortable spot for your pets.
4. Seal Door Gaps
Your pets are just as sensitive to cold gusts of wind as you are, if not more sensitive. Naturally, pets are typically closer to the ground than the average adult human. Because of that, they are sensitive to cold drafts that come in through door gaps and cracks.
Gaps beneath doors let warm air out and usher in cold air and bugs. Not only does this waste the warm air in your home, but it also strains your AC and furnace. In some cases, you may notice your pets avoid your doors at home during the winter if there are gaps.
The cheapest way to solve this problem is to install a door sweep. This will help keep cold drafts and bugs out of your house. You can find effective door sweeps for as little as $20, and they’re worth putting on bottom of all your doors.
5. Install Insulated Pet Houses
Insulated dog and cat houses are comfortable, affordable, and easy to install. They provide warm, insulated shelters for dogs and cats during the winter. This is mostly popular among homeowners who have dogs and cats that primarily stay outdoors.
While it’s important to bring your pets inside during the winter, some homeowners simply don’t. In that case, you should provide a warm outdoor shelter at the very least. Insulated pet houses typically cost between $70 and $200.
Look for one that is waterproof, spacious, and durable for the best results. Even still, it’s worth bringing your pets inside on particularly cold days, especially if it snows or rains.
6. Cover The Ground
Do you mostly have tile, vinyl, and hardwood flooring? If so, then the floors in your home may feel quite cold during the winter. Pets like dogs and cats notice this as their paws are uncovered and sensitive to cold temperatures.
This is less of a problem in houses with carpeted floors, but you aren’t out of luck if you have wooden floors. You can get around this problem if you strategically place several rugs throughout your home. Today, it’s easier than ever to find rugs to match your aesthetic and complement your flooring.
Place rugs in areas where your pets spend a lot of time. For example, you may want to set out rugs in the path to the door if you have dogs. Otherwise, a rug or two in your hallway and near their food and water bowls will help keep them warm.
7. Use Dog Boots
Taking your dogs outside during winter isn’t always fun for you or your dog. If you’re cold, they’re cold, and you must prepare for that. After you put their sweater on, it’s worth putting boots on your dog’s feet to protect their paws.
Dog boots and booties especially come in handy when there is snow or ice on the ground. Look for boots and booties made of materials like natural rubber and PVC. The best dog booties are waterproof, and they typically cost between $20 and $60.
How To Tell If Your Dog Or Cat Is Cold
You can tell your dog or cat is cold if they seek warmth. Dogs and cats often cuddle up close to people when they are cold, especially during the winter. You may also notice them hover around vents and space heaters when they need to warm up.
Both dogs and cats change their behavior when they get cold. For example, they may become antsy and struggle to stay comfortable. Some dogs are also reluctant to go outside without a sweater when it’s cold.
Dogs often tuck their tails, ears, and paws close to their bodies when they’re cold. Pay attention to your pets during the winter, so you can keep them safe and comfortable at home.
Summing It Up
You can keep your pets warm at home if you dress them in sweaters and booties. Place a blanket or pillow over a heating pad for them to lay on and warm up. Rugs, door seals, and insulated pet houses also help pets stay warm when the temperature plummets.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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