Winter can pose various risks to your dog or cat’s health. For this reason, you may need to adjust how you care for your pet when temperatures plummet and weather conditions change.
It doesn’t matter if your cat or dog spends much of their days indoors or outdoors; you must take steps to care for their health and happiness during colder months. Read this mini guide to caring for a pet during winter.
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Treat Them to a Winter Coat
Like humans, pets might want to stay in the warmth of the home during winter instead of venturing outside into chilly or rainy temperatures, especially short-haired animals. In addition to treating yourself to a new coat, you should buy one for your dog. The layer will keep them warm and cozy, meaning they will be happiergoing outdoors to enjoy their daily walk. Don’t forget to rub a wet dog or cat with a towel when they step back inside the home to help them warm up quickly.
Create a Dry, Warm Shelter
Cats often don’t allow a little thing like the weather to stand in their way of fun outdoors. Yet, you can help protect them from the arduous elements by creating a cozy shelter in your garden. Keep your feline friend warm and comfortable by erecting a shelter lined with foil that features a snug blanket for warmth.
Stay Close to Your Dog During Walks
Adverse weather conditions can make it difficult to see your dog during a walk. Ensure they remain visible during rain, snow, or fog by staying as close as possible to them. It may mean keeping them on a leash or fitting a reflective collar you can spot during dull, dreary conditions or darker mornings or evenings. Also, it may help you take a torch with you to ensure you can find them.
If you haven’t already done so, take your dog or cat to an easyvet.com clinic for microchipping. It will allow you to quickly locate your pet should it go missing during winter. If your dog is already microchipped, ensure it features your up-to-date information.
Support Senior Dogs Outdoors
Winter can cause extra discomfort and unsteadiness for senior dogs living with arthritis or joint issues. A harness could provide your canine with extra support during their daily walk, and you must walk a little slower when walking on icy or slippery surfaces.
Check Your Pet’s Paws
Salted areas and gritted pavements during icy weather conditions can pose a risk to your pet’s health, as salt and grit can become stuck between their paw pads. Unfortunately, this can cause their skin to cut and bleed, which is painful for your pup and will increase their risk of infection. For this reason, you must review their paws after they have spent time outdoors and remove any salt or grain. Also, remove any melted ice or snow trapped between their toes and dry their feet; otherwise, they might suffer from dryness, sores, or frostbite.