Snow Day Survival Guide (Pets Included)

You could clean your house, catch up on bills, answer emails, and do all the boring adult things you keep putting off. Or you could accept the fact that we’re about to get buried under 21 to 25 inches of snow and fully commit to a stay-in-the-house kind of Sunday.

This storm pretty much guarantees nobody is going anywhere. Even though the Eagles aren’t playing, let’s pretend we care about the playoffs anyway. There’s something comforting about football being on in the background while the snow piles up outside. And let’s be real, Wawa will probably still be open even if the power goes out, so we’re not completely unprepared.

Cold Weather Pet Safety Guide

Even in heavy snow, dogs still need to get outside, but winter walks need to be short and intentional. When temperatures are between 32 and 45 degrees, most dogs are fine for about 20 to 30 minutes. Between 20 and 32 degrees, keep it closer to 10 to 20 minutes and make sure they stay moving. Once it drops below 20 degrees, five to ten minutes is usually the max. Wind, ice, and salt on the ground can cut those times down even more. Keep an eye on paws and ears, especially for smaller dogs and dogs with doodle-type coats. Jackets and boots help more than people think. And if you ever see an animal left outside in dangerous cold, call 911. Leaving pets out in extreme conditions is a crime.

If you’re staying inside, lean into it. Snow days are meant for movies, half-watching playoff games, and pretending you’re going to be productive tomorrow. Netflix has solid comfort watches like Nonnas, Wonder, Dog Gone, and A Dog with Tanner Champion. For shows that are easy to binge without thinking too hard, 11.22.63, Atypical, and The End of the F*cking World all fit the mood. Hulu and Disney Plus are perfect for a snow day too, with Moana 1 and 2, Anyone But You, Missing, 9-1-1, the Jonas Brothers Christmas movie, The Florida Project, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Prime Video is a wildcard, but Friendship, My Old Ass, A Real Pain, and Honey Don’t are all worth a watch, especially if you enjoy judging movies that make absolutely no sense.

A long snow day also calls for drinks and snacks. For humans, something simple like vodka with ginger beer and lime always works, or cranberry juice mixed with apple cider if you want a playoff-day vibe. If you’re going warm, coffee with cinnamon and whipped cream feels right. Pets don’t need to miss out either. For dogs, mix plain canned pumpkin with a spoonful of unsweetened peanut butter. Spoon small dollops onto a plate or silicone mold and freeze for about an hour. You can serve it frozen for a longer-lasting treat or slightly thawed. It’s good for digestion and safe in small amounts. For cats, mix plain canned tuna in water with a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt. Mash it together, roll into tiny bite-sized pieces, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. Serve cold and keep portions small since it’s a treat, not a meal.

This is also a good excuse to make it a full pet day. Throw on squirrel videos for dogs or bird videos for cats during commercial breaks. It keeps them entertained and buys you some peace while you watch the game or finish a movie without being stared at. Two great videos include: a cozy snow-day video (https://youtu.be/9iGoDNlKY-g?si=bWxcUT0-Ll1jXo6T) and a live stream with no ads that’s perfect to leave on while the snow falls (https://www.youtube.com/live/dJVVcv9-ndg?si=DANRVCzj6i2pAZ2o).

If you’re the type who refuses to stay inside no matter how bad it gets, I have one assignment for you. Build an igloo. Look it up on YouTube and commit. Sledding is optional but encouraged. And if you’re the type who absolutely cannot stay inside, even during a snowstorm, there is another option. Hit up the group chat. Snow days are basically an open invitation to go to whoever’s house still has power, food, and a working TV. Build that igloo together. Help a neighbor shovel their driveway. Just be safe and don’t be the person who gets stuck halfway down the block...

Charlie enjoying the snow

And if the cold is too much or you just want a break, Sanatoga Pet Services is here to help. We offer walks, let-outs, feedings, overnights, and yard cleanups to make sure your pets stay safe, warm, and cared for all winter. You can reach us at 610-906-9620. Text or Call.

Snow days don’t have to be boring. With the right mindset, some football, a few good movies, and happy pets, a day stuck inside can actually be the reset you didn’t know you needed. Even if we’re all quietly wishing the Eagles were on the field.