MINNEAPOLIS — During the bitterly-cold weather this week, it's smart to keep your pet inside. But bathroom breaks are inevitable, so how do you keep your pet safe during those brief moments outside?
Elizabeth Hayden of Chuck and Don's Pet and Food Supplies has a few ideas.
First, buy boots for your pet to protect their paws. But be warned, it may take them a while to warm up to them.
"We want to make sure they have just enough room to give them traction but not constrain their paw in any way to cause any discomfort," Hayden said. "So you want to make sure that it's wide enough and also long enough to account for like their nails."
If boots don't work, she suggests you trim the hair around your pet's paws so that snow doesn't attach and clump. And after being outside, wash their paws to get rid of salt.
Another idea is to buy a product like Musher's Secret, which is a paw protectant and apply daily.
"It really helps keep their paws healthy without any cracking because winter weather can really dry their paws out a lot," Hayden said. "But it also just helps protect from road salt and the snow in general."
Overall, it's likely that your pets will be inside quite a bit this week. To keep them busy, consider buying a new interactive toy to keep your pet mentally stimulated. Or, buy chews, bones, treat balls or puzzle toys.
There is a straightforward way to know when it's too cold for your pet to be outside.
"I would recommend if you’re starting to feel cold and uncomfortable they’re most likely also cold and uncomfortable," Hayden said.