We provide quick and easy winter safety tips for your pets in Rockledge, Viera, and Suntree.
The “winter” season in Florida, from mid-December to mid-March, is drier than most other seasons, with warm nights and cool evenings. Bundling up is rarely necessary, and there’s always plenty to do. Winter is a great time to check out the manatees, get in a bit of camping on the beach, or go to a farmer’s market, and there are many holidays to look forward to.
Even during this agreeable season, however, pet parents need to stay aware of possible hazards to furry family members. Here are a few tips on keeping your pet healthy and happy during Florida’s winter months.
Don’t underestimate extremes during the winter.
Winters in Florida are the mildest in the continental United States, with average highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. The mild outdoor temperatures can easily lull people into complacency or cause them to be unprepared when the weather exceeds the norm.
Tip: Never leave your dog (or cat) unattended in a vehicle in Florida, no matter the season.
For the most part, heat is less of a worry during winter than in other seasons. Even when the outside temperature is a relatively mild 70 degrees, the inside of a car can reach over 100 degrees in just thirty minutes. In an hour, it can climb to a life-threatening 120 degrees. The stifling temperatures in a hot car can be even more dangerous for heavily furred or brachycephalic dogs.
Tip: If it is chilly to you, it may also be a bit nippy for your pet.
While temperatures rarely fall below 50 in Brevard County, they happen occasionally. Our four-legged family members may have a fur coat, but it isn’t always enough to keep them warm when the mercury dips.
Tip: On colder winter days, try taking your walks during the warmest part of the day and watching for signs that your pet is feeling the cold.
If your dog is reluctant to go out or starts shivering, take the hint and wait until it is warmer or bundle your dog up. Providing your dog with a nice, soft place to sleep that is insulated from the cold floor will go a long way toward preventing the aches and pains that often accompany colder weather.
Going ‘batty’ for Fairweather Fauna in Rockledge, Viera, & Suntree.
Tip: When your pet is outside, watch them and avoid wandering wildlife.
Wild animals are always a concern in Central Florida, and winter is no exception. In addition to the usual residents, several species of animals are to be aware of during the colder months here in Brevard County.
Bears in Florida, for example, are preparing for torpor in the early winter, and they may range closer to human habitation than usual in their search for food. The population of bats increases in the winter as some species migrate to the south to avoid the colder northern temperatures. While bats are generally harmless animals, they can occasionally spread rabies without showing conventional symptoms. Coyotes may also be more active and aggressive during their breeding season, which runs from January through March.
Tip: Avoid walking under trees when the temperature dips below 40 degrees, and if you see an iguana lying on the ground in the cold, leave it alone.
Along with irritable and possibly diseased wildlife, when the temperature dips under 40 degrees, Florida’s residents have to deal with falling fauna as well. Iguanas, which are cold-blooded, may become paralyzed from the cold and fall from the trees. As these reptiles can reach around 20 pounds as adults, having one fall on you or your canine companion could be dangerous. Not only that, but the iguanas are not usually dead after dropping out of the tree, and once they thaw back out, they are likely to lash out at anything nearby!
Follow local winter safety tips for your pets this winter!
Winter is a beautiful season here on the Space Coast. The storms have settled, the heat has dissipated, and outside is the perfect place to be. It’s delightful to share your favorite holidays with your pets and a great time to get some outdoor exercise with your pet. Being diligent about your pet’s safety and aware of their surroundings, whether inside or outside your home, will help to ensure that your winter remains wonderful. You can sign up for Brevard County weather alerts online here.
Short on time? Hire the professional pet sitting experts at Space Coast Pet Services to ensure your canine companion gets exercise and stays safe!
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