When winter comes around it can be easy to forget that your pets will need some extra TLC during the cooler months. Read our top 5 tips on how to keep your pets warm and safe in the colder weather.
1. Stay Warm
Ideally, when temperatures start to drop significantly that’s when you make the move to bring your outside dogs in. However, if your dog needs to / prefers to stay outside make sure their winter experience is as cosy as possible.
This could include:
- Elevated, draught-free kennel offering protection from winters harsh weather
- Extra warm, dry blankets
- Dog jumper if necessary
If you would like to bring your outdoor pet inside on cold winter days, that’s also a great option. However, keep in mind that pets in new environments can be destructive while adjusting to their new lifestyle.
Also, as they now don’t have their usual spot to do their business, there could be accidents around the house. It’s best to set rules early and allow for potty breaks.
As for inside pets, ensure their bed is somewhere warm, with extra blankets if needed. Also, be careful not to place your fur friends bed too close to any heaters as this could be a hazard. Furthermore, for the shorter-fur pets, warm clothing could be one of the best ways to keep them warm through winter.
2. Don’t Over Feed
It’s likely that in winter your pet is going to require more food. As their body tries to warm itself, it needs more energy to do the job and your pet’s food intake may need to be increased. Find out more pet food online from Dr Carl.
However, if you’re increasing the food intake of your pet during winter, ensure that they have regular exercise which will help to burn any excess energy as winter is notorious for weight gain.
A good rule of thumb to follow is:
If your pet is mostly indoors, feeding them their regular meal portions will be enough to see them through winter as the unburnt calories from decreased activity will turn into fat and give them a little needed insulation.
But If your pet stays outdoors, then increase their food portions slightly and continue to monitor their activity levels and weight.
3. Regular Exercise
Even though it’s cold outside, it’s still important for pet owners to keep a regular exercise routine. Not exercising can affect your dog’s physical health and in some cases can lead to behavioural problems.
Whether it’s a regular morning walk or run in the park, make sure you maintain that routine during winter to ensure your dog remains fit and healthy.
On the slightly colder days, there are still ways to exercise your pet without having to brave the weather.
For kittens and puppies:
Try playing a game with them like hide and seek in the house. It’s a great way to exercise their senses like sight, sound and smell as well as major muscle groups.
It’s also a fun way to bond with your pet and teach obedience. Firstly, get their attention by throwing a small yummy treat, then run away and hide. Your pet will get an overall work out when they search the house for you. Dr Carl offers a wide range of dog treats online.
For larger pets:
They might enjoy playing fetch with their favourite dog toy, tug-of-war with an old tea towel; though just like having a kid in the house, make sure there’s plenty of room to move in and be mindful of objects like picture frames or vases that could fall and hurt you and your pet.
To exercise their mind and strengthen their obedience, try teaching them a few simple commands like rolling over or shaking paw to keep them energised.
4. ‘Winter skin’ prevention
Just like humans, when the temperature changes so can your pet’s skin.
Moving between the cold outside and the dry heat of your home can result in your dog getting itchy, dry skin. So make sure when your pet has been outside, pat them dry with a towel to remove any excess water.
Pay special attention to the area around their feet and between their toes in case of ice sticking to their fur. One suggestion is to use PAW Manuka Wound Gel to keep your pet's skin protected.
You can also minimise the risk of your pet getting dry, sore paws by massaging petroleum jelly or into their paw pads before going out, which will help protect them from salt and other chemicals.
5. Avoid Spills
Specifically in places that have snow and ice, it is crucial to look out for de-icing spills as antifreeze and salt are harmful to your fur friends.
Antifreeze, which is used in cars to stop the engine from freezing over, is highly toxic to animals, and even a lick can cause illness. Therefore it is essential to properly clean off your pup when returning home again as suggested in tip number 4. Find out more as Dr Carl offers a wide range of dog supplies online.
If you suspect your pet has had ANY antifreeze, take them straight to your local vet.
