This entry was posted on 2021-05-04 by Pet Heaven Store.

Winter is coming! When you feel cold, chances are your pets are cold too! Here are some things to consider and tips for keeping your dog (and cat) warm, happy and healthy this winter:

● Certain animals are more affected by the cold than others, particularly puppies or older pets with arthritis. Providing a supplement (e.g. GCS) with Chondroitin and Glucosamine can greatly help reduce pain and stiffness in an arthritic pet.
● Pets with diabetes, heart disease, endocrine disorders, or kidney disease can also have greater difficulty regulating their body temperature and are also at increased risk.
● Breeds like Huskies, Chows, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are better adapted to cold weather (although they might struggle with our hot summers...). Long-haired cats also handle the cold better, though all cats are better off indoors in the winter. Your pet's fur should not be clipped short during the winter.
● Do not leave pets in the car alone as it can act like a refrigerator and hold in the cold air, which can result in your pet freezing and could lead to serious health concerns, including death.
● An animal’s ears, tail and paws are more susceptible to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite, cover your pet with warm towels from the dryer, gently pat dry the affected area and contact your veterinarian.
● Keep your pets indoors as far as possible and just take them on outings to go to the toilet and get some exercise.
● Get them jackets and sweaters to keep them warm. Choose something that is waterproof if they are going outside.
● Check the temperature before going out – actually: check the temperature and the wind chill factor, because the temperature can feel worse than what the thermometer reads!
● Provide proper outdoor housing if your dog spends a lot of his time outdoors. It needs to protect against cold, rain and strong winds. A doghouse should have a sloped roof and proper insulation. Clean hay, straw, wood shavings or old blankets can provide an insulating layer in the shelter. Be sure to regularly clean or replace bedding. Moist areas can grow bacteria and mould and external parasites can set up house in the bedding.
● Bedding in the house is also important – a bed should be at least 7cm off the cold floor. Also provide enough blankets and pillows.
● Use a hot water bottle or snuggle disk that can be heated in a microwave oven if your house is chilly.
● Provide more food. Animals use up more calories in the winter trying to stay warm. Feed them a little more in the winter months, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. Also make sure they are drinking plenty of water, it will help keep them, and their skin, hydrated.
● Thoroughly clean up any antifreeze spills. Antifreeze can cause severe kidney damage and even death in dogs and cats and pet parents should be extra careful when using this chemical. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
● Outdoor pets often seek warmth in places that can be dangerous, including under a car hood or inside a wheel well. Check your vehicle before starting it to make sure no animal has taken shelter.
● After each walk, make sure to wash and dry your pet’s feet and tummy. You may also want to bring a towel on long walks to clean off irritated paws. Don’t forget to check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes! Snout and Paw Butter is a must in the winter in order to protect feet and noses.
● Keep your home humidified and be sure to towel dry your pet as soon as they come inside to avoid itchy, flaking skin. Repeatedly going into the cold and then coming back to a warm home can cause this skin reaction in pets.
● Try not to bathe your pet as often during cold spells. Bathing too often can remove necessary essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If you must bathe your furry friend, use moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse recommended by your veterinarian.
● Providing a good source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (e.g. Efazol) can also help to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy during the winter.
● More dogs get lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure your dog always wears a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped.
● If your area is prone to lightning and thunder keep enough calming products like Calmeze, Pet Remedy, Feliway or catnip handy.
● A dog stuck in a house gets bored. And a bored dog gets up to no good! Prevent boredom by playing with your dog a few times a day. Teach a (old and young) dog new tricks like “fetch”, “the shell game” or “find the treats.” Also provide toys like Kongs, stuffed toys, ropes for tug-of-war, puzzle toys and chews for dogs. Cats like collapsible cat tunnels, catnip toys and scratch posts or pads.
● Another way to prevent boredom is to make them work for their food with slow-feeders, puzzle feeders or a food dispensing toy.

Remember, keeping your best friend warm in the cold will ensure their happiness and reduce the chance of illness!