Winter can be hard on pets, especially ones that are used to being outside a lot. Some pets also get increasingly wary of playing outside when it’s cold, leading to not getting enough exercise during the winter months.

What can pet owners do during the cold months to protect their pets? The cold weather and wind can be hard on your furry friends, so it’s important to take extra care of them during the winter to keep them healthy and happy. Here are 10 Winter Care tips to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.

Suggestions for Winter Pet Care

1. Keep Your Pets Inside

Image Credit: UnsplashDuring the winter, it’s best to keep your pets inside, especially if it’s very cold or windy outside. If you must take your pet outside, make sure they are adequately covered by a coat or sweater, and keep them outside for a short period of time to avoid hypothermia or frostbite.

Also keep the following measures in mind:

• Make sure their fur coat is completely dry from previous baths before taking them out.
• Some pets have a thick fur coat, but if yours has thin fur, it’s best to take them out to play when the temperature is higher during the day: late mornings and early afternoons.
• When they are back indoors, make sure to dry their coat immediately using a dry towel or dryer.
• Keep a watch for sunny days and make sure to let them get their dose of Vitamin D on those days!

–> SEE ALSO: Why is my dog so itchy?

2. Keep Your Home Warm:

Image Credit: UnsplashIf you have outdoor pets, it’s best to move them indoors during the cold months. Especially if your pets are older or have health difficulties, make sure your home is warm enough for them. To keep your pet warm, consider using a space heater or covering their bed with an additional blanket.

Keep the following precautions in mind:

• Some pets are accustomed to cold weather, so find out what levels of temperature are suitable for them. It’s very possible they don’t like keeping as warm as other pets.
• If you have smaller pets like cats and squirrels, make sure they don’t creep into warm hoods of cars searching for warmth. Honk your car or bang on the hood before starting it.
• Keep heat sources like indoor heaters or radiators at a spot away from your pet’s reach to avoid dangerous accidents.

3. Keep your pets safe from the weather

Image Credit: UnsplashIf you have to take your pet outside, make sure the cold wind can’t get to them. Think about giving them booties to protect their paws from the ice and salt, and clean off their paws and legs when you get back inside to get rid of any possible dirt buildup.

Keep the following precautions in mind:

• Do not give your pet a bath immediately before taking them out.
• Moisturise the pet’s paws using pet-safe balms or oils.
• Avoid having open, stagnant water in your compound. Your pets may try to drink water from it or play in it, which may result in digestive issues or infections. Just one bite from an infected mosquito could put the pet at risk for heartworm disease.

4. Make Sure Your Pets Get Enough Water:

Image Credit: UnsplashDuring the winter, when pets may be less active, it’s crucial to make sure your pets are getting enough water. To encourage your pets to drink more, think about utilising a pet water fountain. Additionally, make sure their water bowl is always filled and not too cold.

Keep in mind:

• Dehydration can be life-threatening. So, keep a watch on the amount of water your pets drink during winter.
• Not having enough physical activity can make them less thirsty. Take them out for runs, or play indoors regularly so that they get thirsty enough to drink water.

5. Give Your Pets Plenty of Food:

Image Credit: UnsplashTo keep warm and energised during the winter, your pets may require more food. Make sure you’re feeding them enough, and if you need to, think about switching to a higher-protein meal.

It’s important to keep the following in mind while feeding:

• Avoid overfeeding. It is a misconception that overfeeding them during winters can keep pets warm.
• Monitor your pet’s weight to make sure they’re not eating too much or too less.
• Make sure they get enough food get enough exercise along with it.

6. Keep Your Pets Active:

Image Credit: UnsplashEven though it may be freezing outside, your healthy pet can still get some activity. Playing indoor games, taking little walks, or even constructing a tiny obstacle course in your home can all help keep your pets active.

Keep the following precautions in mind:

• Older pets may need to stretch their joints instead of hardcore exercise. Hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy) is a fun way to help dogs get gentle exercise with the help of water buoyancy
• Consider indoor games such as fetch and tug-of-war for healthy dogs. Hiding their toys can also make them want to move around looking for it.

–> SEE ALSO: Pets, Parasites & You

LUBRIHANS by SAVAVET is an easily chewable tablet for superior support for joints and cartilages in dogs. It contains Glucosamine Sulphate Potassium, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid and Collage Peptide Type II & provides more flexibility and mobility in patients with Osteoarthritis.

LUBRIHANS offers 3 unique benefits in each tablet:

• It is chondro-protective (protect cartilage from damage during the progression of osteoarthritis).
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) in LUBRIHANS lubricates joints.
• Collagen Peptide Type II strengthens the cartilage.

LUBRIHANS is indicated in dogs with severe Osteoarthritis and in geriatric or older patients. The highly palatable chicken flavour makes this medication a hassle-free experience for dog owners and dogs alike.

7. Keep an eye out for signs of illness:

Image Credit: UnsplashCold weather can make some health problems, like arthritis and breathing problems, worse. If you observe any changes in your pets’ behaviour or health, keep an eye out for symptoms of illness and visit a veterinarian.

–> SEE ALSO: Does Your Cat Blink Frequently?

Some pets experience arthritis pain during winter and may shy from movement and play during this time. BONHANS can be used in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, a disease caused by loss of cartilage and thinning of synovial membrane leading to pain, inflammation and stiffness.

The Pain Management range by Sava Vet including CARODYL and METAFLAM are also extremely useful for pets suffering from pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

8. Keep Your Pets Groomed:

Image Credit: UnsplashKeeping your pets well-groomed is essential for their general health and can also keep them warm throughout the winter. Regular brushing can help to remove any mats or tangles, and nail trimming will prevent long nails and disease manifestation in your pets.

Keep the following precautions in mind:

• It’s particularly important to give them a good brush after baths so that any residual moisture dries up quick.
• It’s easier for ticks and fleas to grow on moist and ungroomed hair. It’s important that this does not happen for healthy dogs and healthy cats.

9. Make Sure Your Pets Are Safe Around Small Children and Visitors:

Image Credit: UnsplashMake sure your pets are secure. To ensure they are treated kindly and respectfully around children or strange individuals, keep an eye on your pets.

Keep the following precautions in mind:

• Make sure they’re comfortable around new people. Some pets can show unusual behaviour when they feel unsafe around strangers.
• Small children may not know how to behave around pets. Show them how to touch/not touch a pet and keep an eye on them at all times.

10. Ensure Your Pets are Properly Identified:

Image Credit: UnsplashIf your pet becomes lost during the winter, make sure they have a collar with a current identification tag. Consider wearing a reflector on them as an extra precaution.

Pet tracking devices are also available in the market. It can be extremely dangerous for your pet to get lost during hostile weather conditions, so keep them protected and safe especially during winter.

–> SEE ALSO: Nutrition For Pets: Is It Really Important?

By using these tips, you can help make sure your pets are happy and healthy all winter long. Remember to pay attention to what your pets need and to listen to your vet if you have any worries about their health. With a little extra care, you can make sure your furry friends are happy and comfortable all winter long.