Winter Tips for Your Pet to Keep them Healthy

You are probably well aware of the threats that are posed by extremely hot weather to your pet; however, exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet, and snow can also cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin of your pet besides other illnesses.

Therefore, it’s very necessary that you also know some tips regarding cold weather to keep your pet healthy and sound.

Show your Pet to the Veterinarian at Least Once in a Year

In winter, certain medical complications arise in your pet such as arthritis. So, if you were not aware of this, it is recommended that you show your pet for a preventive care exam at least once in a year to your veterinarian to avoid any medical problem.

Read more: 5 Top Health Tips for Your Pet

Know your pet’s limit

Sometimes you make a mistake of considering the same things that others do for their pets. Every animal has its own capacity of tolerating harsh and cold weather. It’s not necessary that your four-legged lean friend can also walk for an hour as that of your neighbour’s pet. It usually depends on your pet’s coat, body fat, activity level, and health.

So, if your pet is short-haired, lean, and is suffering from some serious diseases such as heart, kidney, arthritis, or Cushing, etc., you need to make sure that you keep them in a moderate environment because their body can’t bear with extreme temperatures.

Provide Comfort Choices

You may think of a place comfortable for your pet but it may not be as per their needs. Let them select their choice of place for sleeping or comforting in cold, chilly weather. By adjusting to their needs, they will stay healthy for a longer duration.

Keep them inside the home

It’s a very common yet wrong belief that cats and dogs don’t feel cold because of their thick skin and fur. However, it’s not true. In fact, they are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia if not kept inside homes. Beware of that!

Check their paws

Do check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. Usually, ice accumulates between their paws while you take them out for a walk. You can reduce their chances of injury by clipping the hair between their toes to lessen iceball accumulation.

Avoid Ice

Humans usually tend to enjoy beside the frozen ponds, lakes, and other water. But that’s not the same case for your dog. They may collapse in heavy ice depending on their body weight. Therefore, you should take all the preventive measures such as providing them a solid, warm shelter or clothing before bringing them to such places.

Feed them well

Usually, the dog owners assume that their apparently healthy-looking dog doesn’t need any prevention from cold as they are more resistant. But that’s not true in every case. It has nothing to do with your dog’s immunity.

Outdoor pets usually require more calories in winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm and that’s possible when you feed them according to your veterinarian’s food recommendations.

Read more: Top 6 Summer Tips for Your Pet