Winter is a difficult time for us all. Having to bundle up to go anywhere, and dealing with the cold, wind and snow is never fun. But in addition to being hard on us, the winter is also a difficult time for our pets.
We need to make sure we make changes to our pet’s routine to ensure they can remain comfortable in the winter. They cannot make these lifestyle changes themselves, so it is up to us to do it for them. Without any further ado, let’s go over a couple of helpful tips to better care for your pet in the winter.
Keep Them Warm When Outside
Of course, one of the most important things to keep in mind when caring for your pet in the winter is to keep them warm when they go outside. There exist a variety of different options from boots, to shirts to sweaters. While your pet might not love them right away, they will eventually begin to appreciate their warmth. A quick selection for your fur-babies will be covering their necks with winter stuff bandanas. Check out the logo-printed and stylish bandanas and neck gaiter in different wool designs from 4inbandana, and make sure your steezy playmate is completely thrilled for winter snow-swings!
They are great for walks, for when your dog needs to go outside to use the bathroom or even if your house is a little chilly in the winter. Be sure to check out Furry Friends Gear: pet supply reviews to learn more about ways to keep your pets warm, from pet clothing to dog houses.
Schedule Walks Appropriately
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean your dog will automatically be low-energy. They will still need their walks and exercise. However, it is a good idea to make some adjustments to your walking schedule. For example, you should cut down the time of your walks on average, to make sure you and your pet don’t have to be out in the cold for long periods.
Make an effort to go for walks when the sun is shining or when it is warmer out, as both you and your pet will appreciate it. Also, try to avoid areas with a lot of ice or snow on the path, as this can be quite cold and rough on the feet of your dog.
Keep Heat Sources Unaccessible
With the cold temperatures, your pet will be looking for any way to stay warm. This is why pets will often lay on the heat registers, or curl up in the sun. Unfortunately, pets don’t always know what level of heat is acceptable, before it’s too late. Many pets will attempt to get on the stove, or lay on the radiator in order to get some warmth.
As you could imagine, this could lead to some serious problems. If your pet isn’t smart enough to know those are too hot, you need to do the work for them. Be sure to keep these things covered or inaccessible when they are hot, to prevent potential injuries.
Adjust The Amount You Feed
The amount of food you give your pet is also something you should consider modifying in the winter. In the winter, your pets will expel more energy attempting to stay warm, and thus you may need to increase how much you feed them.
However, be careful not to overfeed them. While they may use more energy staying warm, they may also be less active in the winter, which could offset this. If you don’t take into account activity level, your pet could become overweight from being fed too much. A pet that is overweight or obese can introduce many potential risks to their health.
So while it is a good idea to feed them a little more in general, be sure not to increase the amount by too much, unless the pet is also remaining very active in the winter months.
Watch Your Use of Chemicals
With winter, comes ice. Ice is responsible for a lot of falls and injuries every winter, which can lead to painful and expensive injuries. As a result, many people will use deicing products that ensure their walkways and stairs aren’t an accident waiting to happen.
Unfortunately, these products can often be full of chemicals or other ingredients which can be harmful to animals. Some could irritate the skin of your animals, or potentially be poisonous if ingested. As a result, consider switching to products that are not potentially toxic to your pets.
If you do use these products, be careful using them in areas your pet may go, and always wipe off your pets feet once they come back into your home.
Ensure They Have Warm Places to Sleep
While keeping your pet comfortable and warm when it goes outside is the first priority, you need to ensure they are also comfortable inside. This means you need to create a nice and comfy place for your pet to sleep and relax. If they need to sleep on the cold floor, it will not be a good experience.
Also, try to position the bed or sleeping spot away from things like drafts or open windows. It should also be in a spot the pet is comfortable sleeping. All of this can ensure your pet has a warm and cozy spot to sleep and relax during the cold winter days and nights.
While they may not be able to describe it, most pets don’t like the cold just as much as you don’t. By using these six tips, you can ensure that your pet has a comfortable and enjoyable winter.
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