5 Tips For Keeping Pets Warm And Healthy During The Winter

The winter months can pose a number of expected and unexpected health threats to pets. Just as we wear clothes and eat differently when the seasons change, pets’ grooming and nutritional needs also vary in the winter season. By taking some basic precautions and paying attention to the needs of their four-legged friends, responsible pet owners can help their cats or dogs make it through the winter in good health.

Dr Umesh Kallahali, Small Animal Consultant, Mars Petcare India shares tips help to keep your pets warm and healthy during the ongoing winter season:

1. FeedingGive your pet more food during cold weather than you do during hot months. Dogs, for example, may need up to 25 percent more energy in the winter than they do in the summer, especially those that exercise outdoors. Pets need the extra food because exercising outdoors in cold weather takes more energy, opt for packaged food options like Pedigree & Whiskas to meet their nutritional requirement. However, they are even more prone to weight gain in the wintertime, when outdoor exercise is limited by bad weather.
2. OverweightPets are more likely to suffer injury and illness than Pets who maintain a normal weight range. To help keep your Pet fit and healthy this season, make sure you’re feeding them an appropriate diet for their breed and age and follow the simple indoor exercise tips to keep their weight in check.
3. ExerciseMost pets will not exercise by themselves, although they may play with another Pet/family member or entertain themselves briefly with toys. So, it is your job to help keep them active this chilly winter. Increase your household activities. Take advantage of breaks in the weather by taking short walks with your dog. Even a few minutes of exercise will help make a difference.
4. Cleaning & GroomingMake sure to take care of your pet’s grooming during the winter. Even though your dog might not get as dirty in the winter, and you might not have to give them a bath, it’s crucial to keep them warm if you do. Towel him dry, or use a good dryer, and don’t let him outside until he is completely warm and dry. Instead of washing him with water, you could try “dry” bathing your dog by brushing corn starch or baby powder through his coat, and thoroughly brushing it out.
5. The big chillDon’t leave your pet outside for long periods of time. Low body temperature (hypothermia) can quickly result, and can lead to death. Avoid taking small house pets, older dogs and cats, or short-haired dogs outside if the wind chill index is less than 20 degrees. If you must take your pet out in cold weather, dress it in a knit sweater.
6. Cold feetAfter bringing your pet indoors, check its feet to make sure ice has not formed between its toes. If it has, carefully clean the pet’s feet and pads with warm water and a cloth. In addition, if you use salt to melt ice on your driveway or sidewalk, clean your pet’s feet after every trip outside.
7. Hair sheddingHair loss is a common issue among dogs with skin problems in our country, and it can be triggered by various factors. The main contributor is the amount of light (photoperiod), along with factors like nutrition, genetics, and overall health. In winter, dogs typically shed their summer coat to grow a thicker, warmer one.There is nothing you can do to stop this process – it’s just mother nature. However, we suggest getting your dog examined to rule out any parasites like fleas, ticks, mange or allergy, hormonal imbalance, bacterial or yeast infection, etc. that cause hair loss.

As the winter months may be dry and dehydrating for dogs, make sure your pet has access to ample water if they spend time outside. In particular, if your dog suffers from joint discomfort, make sure there are no drafts in their indoor space and cover their bed with a thick blanket for warmth and comfort.

Watch out for frostbite in cold weather, even if your dog is only outside briefly. Take caution since signs might not appear immediately. Older dogs may find it difficult to control their body temperature, especially if they have health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, renal illness, or hormone imbalances. Older dogs’ arthritis may exacerbate in the cold, making them more uncomfortable.