Caring for Your Pet in the Winter
Some pet owners forget that a change in season brings about changes in the needs of their pets. That added precaution during the cold winter months will prevent any last minute problems that could spoil the Christmas holidays. Because of the constant flurry of activity, we tend to overlook some essentials in “prepping” our pet for winter. Here are a few pointers to bear in mind.
Basic Pet Care for Winter
Not all dogs like being outside in the winter. Pet owners make the mistake of shooing their dogs outdoors thinking that they enjoy themselves better when they are allowed to roam outside. Unless your dog is specifically a “winter breed”, pet experts recommend they be kept inside when temperatures fall drastically. Dogs don’t need to stay out in fresh cold air for extended periods; what they need most is to spend a lot of time with humans. When separated from people for long periods of time, they develop behavioural problems.
To ensure your pet is healthy for the winter season, check for hypothermia if they have spent an extended period of time outdoors in cold weather, or even if they are indoors in a cold house. Signs that your pet may be suffering from hypothermia are trembling or shivering, gums that are pale, unusually large pupils, a very slow heart rate and a body temperature that is 95 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Go ahead and provide your pet with warm clothing like coats or booties. Your friends may laugh at you for going to such great lengths, but a rule of thumb is to treat your pet the way you would another human being when it comes to cold temperatures. Offer something to keep them warm.
Make sure you keep a supply of clean rags or old towels near the door for when your pet comes in after spending some time outside. You need to rub them down and dry them thoroughly. Remember that there are chemicals and substances on the ground that people put to melt the snow. Some of these substances can harm your pet. Check for residues that get stuck in between the toes of your pets and be on the lookout for frostbite.
On the subject of exercise, pet owners like to give their dogs a good workout in cold weather. If you plan on doing this, make sure that your dog is fit as a fiddle. If you like to run, start at a moderate pace. Most dogs will continue running even if they’re tired just to keep up with their master so don’t push them to the limit. In the absence of outdoor exercise, you can play ball indoors by letting your dog pick up the ball at both ends of a long corridor. Or take him for a long ride in the car and arrange for play dates.
If you have a cat, winter is the best time to train it to adapt to the indoors. One way to do this is to change the location of its food bowl every day such that the bowl is put farther away from the door each time your cat comes in. As soon as your feline has grown accustomed to being inside, provide entertainment – don’t overlook this. Consider installing a bird-feeder outdoors, in a location where you cat can watch from inside. According to one writer, a bird-feeder to a cat is like TV to a human!
Your Pet’s House
If your dog will be spending time in his own house in the winter, the house should have sufficient space for your pet to stand up and turn around, but no more. The house should be constructed in such a way that it does not face the wind directly. It must also be a few inches from the ground to avoid moisture from accumulating. The door must be well-insulated to keep ice and snow out. If you’re going away for the holidays, pets should be checked in every day; make arrangements for a relative or friend to make daily visits.
Some cats like to snuggle in car engines for warmth. Before you start your car, check under the hood or honk your horn to distract them.
Make your House Pet-friendly for the Winter
People get so busy and excited during the holidays that they overlook some safety factors. They think that since the dog or cat is inside the house, they’re safe and sound. Not quite.
Be careful with your Christmas decorations. Some plants, sprays, lights, perfumes and even alcohol can be harmful to your pet. Pine has low toxicity for pets, but fireplace salts have moderate toxicity. Keep ribbons, yarn, tinsel strands and beverage holders away from pets, as these can be harmful if swallowed. Mistletoe is highly toxic and so are adhesives and antifreeze.
Styrofoam, often used to decorate Christmas trees, can affect the gastro-intestinal tract of your pet. And please: never give your pet chocolate, as it is quite toxic to dogs in particular. Do not be tempted to give your pet holiday leftovers – your pet may enjoy them, but it’s always best for their health that they eat only their own pet food.
About the Author
Mike Cole is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as pet meds.
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