There are a few things you may want to take into account for your pets' optimal health as winter approaches. The cooler, drier air is just one of the numerous things that affect your pet, leading to problems like chapped paws, dry eyes and noses, and itchy, flaky skin.
Here are some suggestions to think about to prevent the health of your dog or cat from being negatively impacted by cold weather risks.
In the winter months, give your dog fewer baths.
During the colder months, bathe your dog as infrequently as possible. Washing your pet too frequently increases the risk of dry, flaky skin by removing the skin's protective oils. Ask your doctor to propose a moisturizing shampoo and crème if your dog has managed to get odorous.
In the winter, avoid shaving your dog all the way down to the skin as a longer coat will keep him warmer. Simply clip your dog's lengthy hair to reduce the amount of sticking ice crystals and other elements that could dry out his skin. Don't forget the hair between his toes either. Consider obtaining your dog a thick sweater with covering from the neck to the base of the tail and around to the belly to wear outside in the chilly weather if he has short hair or a thin coat.
To dry your dog's paws, always stop.
Use a washcloth or damp wipe to wash and dry your pet's feet and tummy after each walk to remove chemicals, salt, and ice (this is especially important in locations that get a lot of snow and ice during the winter). Pay close attention to the spaces between the footpads for snow/ice balls.Make sure you examine your pet's paw pads every day for cracks or redness between the toes; if you find either of these, take immediate action. Before heading outside, massage coconut oil or other paw protectors into your pet's paw pads to help protect them from chemicals and road salt. Pet booties are an additional choice during cold weather. Even better protection is offered by pet booties or shoes, but they can take some getting accustomed to at first.
You should change your dog's diet.
In order to prevent your dog from putting on that winter fat layer, you may want to reduce the amount of food you are feeding them if they are not getting as much outdoor exercise. Of However, if your dog enjoys playing in the snow and has an active exercise regimen, you may want to consider modestly upping their consumption. A pet needs extra food during the colder months since they burn more calories playing and keeping warm.
Utilize items made for pets.
If your climate requires you to winterize your house and vehicle, be sure you're utilizing pet-friendly solutions. Coolants and antifreeze are poisonous to dogs and cats and can be fatal. Always keep an eye on your pets when you're out walking to make sure they aren't getting into these things, and be sure to completely wipe up any spills from your car. When feasible, use pet-friendly ice melts, and think about switching to products using propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
the boundaries of your dog.
Different canines are more prone to get the flu than others. You should be aware of this and reduce the amount of time your dog spends outside if they have a short coat, are skinny, elderly, or are very young. If you plan to stay outside for more than a few minutes and your dog enjoys being outside, think about giving it a sweater or coat to keep it warm. If it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your dog. This is because dogs are particularly susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite during the winter.
Retain your dog on a leash.
No matter the season, this is a wise rule, but the winter is the season when pets go missing the most, making it even more crucial. Recognizable smells that would typically guide them home can be hidden by snowfall. Keep your dogs on leashes when you go for walks to prevent your pets from being lost. Also, make sure your pets have current contact information on their collars in case you are separated from them. Have your pet microchipped for enhanced security.
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