Winter Safety Essentials

Long Island winters deliver biting winds, icy sidewalks, and frostbite threats that can catch even the savviest pet owners off guard. But, proactive steps can keep your furry friends safe both indoors and out. At Long Island Pet Services, our team of experienced dog walkers and pet sitters in Nassau and Suffolk counties sees these challenges firsthand during our daily visits, helping pets thrive through the chill.

Preventing Hypothermia

Hypothermia strikes fast when temperatures plunge below 32°F. This greatly affects small breeds like Chihuahuas or short-haired pups like Greyhounds that are popular on Long Island. Signs include shivering, lethargy, pale gums, or a weak pulse. If your pet shows these symptoms, act immediately by bringing your pet inside, wrapping them in blankets, and offering warm (not hot) fluids like broth. Limit outdoor time to just 10-15 minutes on frigid days, always monitoring closely; puppies, seniors, and thin pets need even shorter exposures. Dress them in waterproof, insulated coats with belly coverage and neck warmers, plus hoods for extra wind protection. Our walkers at Long Island Pet Services equip every outing with these essentials, scouting sheltered paths in places like Eisenhower Park or local beaches to minimize risks while ensuring pets get their exercise.

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Protecting Paws from Injury

Long Island’s salted roads, ice-melting chemicals, and rock salt create a hazardous mix that cracks paw pads, causes chemical burns, or leads to toxic ingestion if licked off. After every walk, gently wipe paws with lukewarm water and a pet-safe wipe, then apply a thick layer of musher’s wax or vet-approved balm like those with natural waxes and oils to form a protective barrier. Invest in well-fitted booties made of breathable, flexible rubber, practice wearing them indoors first to avoid slips. Steer clear of antifreeze puddles, which smell sweet but are deadly; rinse any contact immediately. We prioritize salt-free routes in our dog walking services, such as wooded trails in Connetquot River State Park Preserve, and always carry paw-cleaning kits for post-walk care, keeping pads healthy and pain-free.

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Indoor Entertainment Ideas

Blizzard-trapped days lead to cabin fever, chewing furniture, or excessive barking, but creative indoor play keeps energy levels balanced without cabin craziness. Start with food-dispensing puzzle toys like Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or frozen yogurt, which can occupy a dog for 30+ minutes. Introduce snuffle mats by hiding kibble in fleece strips, tapping into their natural foraging instincts, or create DIY scent trails with treats dragged across rugs for nose-work games. For cats, laser pointers, feather wands, or window perches with bird feeders spark hunting play. High-energy breeds benefit from hallway fetch using soft balls or flirt poles, mimicking outdoor sprints in short bursts. During snowy stays, our pet sitters rotate these activities, incorporating obedience games or gentle training sessions to maintain routines and prevent boredom-induced mischief.

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Winter Diet Adjustments

The cold ramps up metabolism, increasing calorie needs by 10-20% for outdoor-active pets to generate body heat, but overfeeding leads to weight gain once spring hits. Gradually transition to winter formulas with higher protein and fat content (think 20-30% more calories from quality sources like salmon oil or lamb meal) while keeping portions measured. Warm up meals slightly or top kibble with low-sodium bone broth to boost hydration and palatability, as pets drink less in dry indoor air. Monitor body condition weekly by feeling ribs (they should be palpable but not visible) and adjust based on activity; working breeds or frequent walkers may need extras like boiled chicken. Always consult your vet for breed-specific advice, especially for diabetics or overweight pets. Our sitters track eating habits during visits, noting preferences and suggesting tweaks that keep Long Island pets energized and at a healthy weight all season.

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How Long Island Pet Services Can Help

The pet professionals at Long Island Pet Services make winter pet care effortless with tailored dog walking on safe, weather-appropriate routes and customized pet sitting that includes hypothermia checks, paw protection, indoor play sessions, and meal monitoring. Whether you’re commuting through snowy traffic or traveling for the holidays, book our reliable services today to ensure your pet stays safe, active, and happy.

 Long Island Pet Services is the best place to turn to for professional, quality pet sitting services. We offer a wide variety of services including dog walking, drop-in visits, overnight stays, pet taxi, and more! Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 516-247-6976. We look forward to hearing from you! Be sure to check out our social media pages too! Follow us on our Facebook, Instagram, and X!