For many pets, especially those who spend a great deal of time outdoors, winter is harsh. The subzero temperatures might prevent them from venturing outdoors which will, in turn, reduce their activity and exercise.
However, as responsible pad owners, we have to do everything in our power to guarantee that our furry companions are content and healthy during these colder months. Here are 10 essential winter pet care tips to keep your pets safe and comfortable throughout the colder months.
1. Keep Your Pets Indoors
As soon as the winter season approaches, and if the weather outside is very windy or cool, we advise that you keep your pets indoors. If you need to take your pet outside, please make sure they are wearing a coat or sweater, though it’s in your best interest to refrain from doing this wholly. Indoor walks would suffice long durations outdoors could lead to frostbite, or worse, hypothermia.
Make sure to follow these tips:
- Consider having your pets’ fur dry from previous baths before taking them out of the house.
- Pet owners that possess pets with scanty fur should prevent them from playing outdoors at cooler hour in the mornings when the temperatures are at their lows, late morning and afternoons are more favorable.
- As soon as they are brought back indoors, they should be dried as quickly as possible either through towels or hair dryers.
- Take sunbath’s within the suboutdoor conditions in order enable your pets acquire Vitamin D.
2. Keep Your Home Warm and Cozy
For those of you with outdoor pets, it would be advisable to consider housing them indoors at sub-zero temperatures. Elderly pets or pets with illnesses are pets that would require additional warmth be it through artificial or oral means. For such pets, covering them with some bedding or positioning a space heater close to them would bring about warmth.
Consider these precautions:
- There are those sorts of pets that overheat easily, find a median temperature for your pet.
- Before getting into your car cat, or any other smaller pet for that matter, may feel the need to get better warmth and seek refuge in the car’s engine; so ensure that you bang your car’s hood before getting in it.
- Also, place your space heater and radiator such that they are safe from pets to ensure that accidents do not occur.
3. Protect Your Pets from Harsh Weather
Pets face winter adversity as cold winds, snow and ice form challenges for them. If a walk is needed, boot or paw covering should be used and of utmost importance, once a pet comes back home, paws and legs should be wiped before going any further to remove swords, ice and dirt.
Here are some additional tips:
- Avoid taking your pet out right after a bath to prevent their fur from getting too cold.
- Moisturize their paws with pet-safe balms to prevent cracking.
- Keep pets away from stagnant water, as it may contain harmful bacteria or chemicals that could cause illness.
4. Ensure Your Pets Drink Enough Water
Throughout winter pets’ activity levels decline, and so water consumption. So it is crucial to keep them hydrated. You can purchase a water bowl for dogs so that they consume more water and a heating pad for dogs if the water is cold.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Dehydration can be dangerous, especially during the winter months.
- Less physical activity means your pet may drink less. Encourage movement with regular indoor play or short walks.
5. Provide Plenty of Food to Keep Them Energized
Pets spend quite the energy in the pursuit of warmth in winters, hence increasing their food requirements. A diet that is rich in protein ought to keep them energized. Just don’t overdo it as avoid gaining weight.
Important things to consider:
- Overfeeding does not help them stay warmer—balance their food intake with their activity levels.
- Keep an eye on their weight to ensure they are getting enough nutrition without excess.
6. Keep Your Pets Active, Even Indoors
While staying indoors could mean active outdoor games will not be possible, this however does not mean that your pets are off the hook in terms of exercise. Through indoor games such as fetch or tug-of-war pets will be able to exercise , or create an obstacle course so as to ensure they remain active.
Use mild activities, such as hydrotherapy, for older dogs or those suffering from joint discomfort. Because the buoyancy of water relieves stress on their joints, it is especially useful for dogs with arthritis.
7. Watch for Signs of Illness
Arthritis, respiratory ailments, and joint aches are among the health concerns that can become chronic during winter. Note! When watching a legged creature, you want to keep an eye on whether it becomes limp, sluggish or is displaying any other form of undesirable attention-seeking behavior. If your pet exhibits concerning behaviors, a trip to the veterinarian is a must.
Also, consider supplements like LUBRIHANS by SAVAVET, which supports joint health in pets, particularly those with osteoarthritis. For pets suffering from pain or inflammation, medications like CARODYL and METAFLAM can offer relief.
8. Groom Your Pets Regularly
Winter grooming is an important consideration when caring for your pets. Combings assist in minimizing tangles, mats and dirt that can worsen skin irritations. Additionally, this practice helps maintain the hair coat in good shape hence assists in heat retention.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Brush your pet’s coat thoroughly after baths to prevent moisture buildup.
- Regular grooming reduces the likelihood of ticks and fleas, which thrive in moist environments.
9. Ensure Safe Interactions with Children and Visitors
There are different people or kids around the house in winter. Its therefore, crucial to watch your pet at all times while they are around kids or strangers, and allow them to get near. Some pets tend to get anxious when in an unknown place, so it’s best to be cautious.
Important safety tips:
- Teach children how to approach and interact with pets respectfully.
- Make sure your pet has a safe space to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.
10. Make Sure Your Pets Are Properly Identified
It is tougher for pets to get around during the winter and there is also the constant threat of them getting lost. Make sure that your pet wears a collar with a visible ID The ID tag should be in good condition. Alternatively your pet can wear a reflective collar, or even better a tracking device.
Considering harsh winter conditions, a collar for a pet is imperative as this will show who the owner is and make it easy to return the pet if it goes missing.
