Pets, generally, have their own way of dealing with cold, like snuggling in warm winter sun or beside the heated car engine. The fur coat of dogs and cats also act as a natural warmer to the animals. However, all pets don’t possess the natural defense against cold and they require proper shelter and care to avoid any ill health issues.
The Week brings some easy and handy tips on caring your pets during the cold weather.[break]
Inside you go!
The best way to keep pets warm is to keep them inside during mornings and evenings when the weather is chillier. Be it dogs, cats or rabbits, they are prone to catch cold if they are exposed to harsh wintry conditions. And if you prefer your pets in their own space outdoors, you can cover the doors and other open areas with jute bags or warm shawls to protect them during cold weather.
A healthy pet is a happy pet. Make sure you keep your little friends protected from the harsh winter weather.
Winter grooming
The fur coat is definitely a natural warmer for dogs and cats, so avoid trimming their fur during winter. Giving bath to your pet during winter is very risky regarding its health, so you can give bath at the beginning of the winter. It is, however, necessary to groom your pet during winter to avoid any health issues. You can comb their fur daily while on no-bath regime to check on their hygiene.
Woolen wraps
While it’s advised to refrain from using woolen wraps for the breeds of dogs with heavy fur, some breeds with thin or no fur may need woolen wraps to keep them warn against cold weather. You can buy one of those wraps in a nearby vet shop or various supermarket stores. Also, you can get your pet a children’s sweater aging from one to five, according to your pet’s size.
Blanket away the chills!
Like us, pets too appreciate a nice warm bed during chilly winter nights. So, a nice warm bed and a blanket can keep your pet away from cold weather and its subsequent effects on its health. Pets can also snuggle inside their blanket whenever the weather turns harsh.
Hot water bottle
If your pets are prone to chewing woolen wraps or blankets, hot water bottles can be a very handy solution. You can fill a transparent plastic bottle with lukewarm water and let your pet play with the container. Your pet will not only have a fun time but will also keep themselves warm and safe during chilly season.
Drinking water check
Many pet owners are specific and concerned about their pet food but lag behind when it comes to drinking water for their pets. During winter, drinking water turns ice-cold very soon. In such situation, some pets refrain from drinking water while other drink the same icy cold water; either way, it’s not healthy for them. Therefore, it’s necessary to refill old water with fresh, room-temperature water every 2-3 hours.
Health checkup
It’s normal to have pets lazing around in the winter sun but if they show signs of weakness or deviate from their eating habits, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian. Older pets can be more vulnerable during
winter; therefore, they need extra care.
Warm love!
You can treat your pet with occasional belly rub. An owner’s special attention and love can surely lift up the pet’s spirits. Spending an intimate time with your pet will also allow you to know any physical difficulty it’s going through. Along with essential care, tenderness can also be a solution to many issues!
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