Brrrr! winters are here but Sasha and Boxer love the winter wonderland rather than cozying up on a couch or cuddling up in a blanket. Winter is the favorite season for pets. Though it’s not particularly true for all pets however most dogs love winters! So prepare yourself for pet care in winter when they venture out in the cold. These are points to remember on how to take care of pets in winter:
Temperatures: If it’s too cold for you to stand without a coat then it is probably too cold for your dog as well. Dress up your dog in the most colorful and fashionable dog coats available in the market. Besides, dog coats are not just fashionable; they prevent from frostbite on the ears, feet and tail. Yes, dogs too are prone to frostbite in extreme cold. The tolerance to different seasons and temperatures varies in short coated dogs and long coated ones. The former being more sensitive towards cold. “Dogs generally feel quite comfortable and much more at ease in the colder months as compared to their lethargic and often grumpy self in the scorching summers”, explains veterinarian Shubha Agarwal. “Puppies on the other hand require extreme pet care both during the winters and the summers”, she adds.
Bedding: Let the pets play out with their favorite ball or Frisbee but make sure a warm, indoor shelter and cozy bedding is provided for them when they return. Place the bedding in a warm spot, away from drafts, cold tiles or uncarpeted floors.
Food: Dogs will need an extra layer to stay warm in the winter but that should come in the form of an extra coat and not in the form of fat by excessively feeding them. Being attentive to the dog’s activity level and then adjusting the calorie content in the food accordingly thus becomes an important rule of pet care. Always feed your dog the highest quality dog food to ensure a healthy coat and good energy levels during the winter months. If giving home food, feed them a meal of warm rice/chapatti, meat and eggs. They will devour it!
Water: Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in the winter as in summer. Although many dogs eat snow while playing out, it is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. Check that the dog bowl is filled regularly as your pet may take frequent water breaks and could easily get dehydrated. If you live in a snowy place and the dog bowl is kept outside, ice may form on top of it. Keep it inside if you can to prevent it from freezing. Bathe your dog with light lukewarm water not more than twice thrice in a month to keep it clean and healthy.
Medical needs: Just like people, dogs are more susceptible to various illnesses during the winter weather. Contact your veterinarian if you detect any unusual symptoms in your dog. Remember, never use the counter medication without the advice of your veterinarian. Nobody know pet care better than the expert. For dogs that already have a medical illness like arthritis, a stringent exercise regime should be followed. They should also be kept from ice or any other slippery surface that could aggravate their condition.
Dogs are therapeutic angels whose presence can make a dull and morose day gleam. Paying special attention to your dog's needs during the winter season will thus ensure that you both enjoy the Winter Wonderland to its fullest. Happy Holidays!!
Photo by David Donachie.
