Winter is undoubtedly the most exciting time of the year and the first thing that comes to our mind is chilly winter, snowfalls, and family time by the fireplace. However, this is also a time of concern for your pets. Your pet requires special care during winter since winter can lead to various types of health issues for them if not taken care of. Conditions like hypothermia, dry skin, and dehydration are the most common winter problems experienced by pets. Thus, it is essential to take good care of your pet this winter so they can make the most out of the festive seasons like us. The following section of the blog discusses some essential tips on how to upgrade pet care for winter.
Winter Pet Care Tips
Your pet requires extra care during winter and pet parents need to have a proper idea regarding the essential care tips. Here are some of the important things that you must know to take good care of your pet this winter.
1. Adequate Shelter from Winter Cold
Providing proper shelter is the first and foremost important task to keep your pet from catching a cold. Ensure you have a dog house in your backyard if your pet accesses the backyard frequently. The dog house must be designed in a way so that it does not touch the ground directly. This prevents moisture from seeping into the house, providing a cozy and insulated interior atmosphere for your pet. You can add blankets or heated pet pads to make it even more warm and cozy.
On the other hand, you can create the same warm and insulated spaces inside your house, if your pet does not use the pet house. However, ensure that your pet’s bed is not placed near drafty spaces like windows or doors.
2. Take Care of Their Paws
One of the common problems that pets face is irritation and itching in their paws due to snow and salt used to melt snow. The snow gets inside their paw pads creating discomfort and the salt leads to a painful burning sensation. Thus, you need to clean their paw regularly after every walk on snow. Use a damp cloth to rub their paw pads to remove ice and salt. You can also apply paw balm and use paw boots for extra protection for your pets. The balm removes salt irritations and the boots keep pet paws safe and comfortable when out for a long walk. However, your pet might take time to get adjusted in boots. You must allow them some time to get accustomed.
3. Modify Their Diet and Hydration
Pets like dogs and cats burn more calories during winter to stay warm. So, it is necessary to replenish those burnt nutrients to ensure optimum nutrition for your pets. Make sure you consult a vet for expert suggestions on pets’ winter diet. On the other hand, pet tends to drink less water in wintertime. However, if the interior of your home is warm then that can lead to dehydration of your pets. So, it is essential to ensure their water intake is optimum.
4. Ensure Physical Fitness
During winter it is difficult to spend long hours outdoors. This reduces the outdoor physical activities of your pet. As a result, their physical health gets compromised. It is advisable to compensate outdoor activities of your pets with indoor activities. Ensure that they are engaged in both physical and mental activities so that they are not bored and gain extra unhealthy weight.
5. Install a Pet Door
Installing a well-insulated pet door is essential to keep your dog safe. It allows your dog to access the outdoors as they please without any assistance. During winter your pet normally needs to access the outdoors to relieve themselves. Also, during the daytime, they might want to enjoy the warmth of the winter. A pet door makes it easy for them to access the outdoors as they wish. On the other hand, a well-insulated pet door prevents frostbite and hypothermia for your pets.
Conclusion
The blog has discussed some important tips on how to take good care of your pet this winter. Winter is the time during which pets require maximum care. The extreme freezing climate makes your pet susceptible to health issues like frostbite and hypothermia. As a result, it is important to ensure optimum insulation for your pet. You must also take care of their diet and physical activities to ensure physical and mental well-being.
