It’s time to prepare ourselves and our furry creatures for the outside elements with winter around the corner. There is nothing like a cozy cuddle session with a pet over the fireplace or an endless outdoor playdate in winter. However, winter also means colder temperatures and illnesses. During colder months, pets and humans are susceptible to many diseases like frostbite, hypothermia, and flu. If you have a young pet, it’s best to prepare them for the changing weather. Regular health check-up from Virginia Beach veterinary hospital is essential for the well-being of your pets.
In this blog, we have listed down some easy winter care tips for pets and animals. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure your pets’ better health and enjoy the season without any worries.
- Cover them with a sweater and coat
Some dogs and even cats are naturally gifted with thick fur and coat that helps them stay warm in colder temperatures. However, not all dog and cat breeds can keep themselves warm in freezing cold. They need an extra layer of covering to regular their body temperature. If you have a pet with a thin coat and fur, it’s best to cover them with a sweater when taking them for outside strolls. Make sure the sweater you choose for them is warm and comfortable.
Coats and sweaters may provide warmth to the body, but it will not protect from frostbite. Thus, it’s recommended not to keep your pets outdoors during the winter season for too long. If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite in pets, rush them to veterinary hospital for medical care.
- Go for a walk when the sun is out.
Most pets prefer going for an early morning walk. However, in winter, when it’s freezing out, you may want to skip the early morning walks. It’s best to take your pet outside when it’s sunny and warm outside. Make the most of the sunshine by indulging in outdoor games like fetch, chase, and tug-of-war.
- Cut down on outdoor time.
Cats and dogs that love spending more time outside may catch a cold if left outdoors for too long during winter. If your pet enjoys playing in the backyard or park, take them for frequent walks; however, make sure they don’t stay outside for a prolonged period. If your pet is reluctant to come inside, regularly check on him and look for signs of flu or frostbite.
- Cozy up the sleeping area
Dogs and cats enjoy sleeping on the cold floor in summer; however, you won’t want them to keep sleeping on the floor in winter. Keeping your pets warm and cozy indoor is as essential as keeping them insulated outdoor. Adding a warm bedding and comfortable blanket to your pet’s sleeping area will also help keep them warm and cozy. You can also consider buying heated pet beds to give extra warmth to your pet. Just beds help senior pets with their joint pain and body stiffness.
