How to Keep Your Pet Warm This Winter: Even while your cat has a fuzzy coat, it won’t be enough to keep them warm in the winter for the majority of breeds. Here are some of our best suggestions for ensuring the comfort and safety of pets during winter.
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Bedding
No matter whether your pet sleeps indoors or out, it’s best to elevate its bed off the floor for maximum comfort. The cold concrete, wood, or tiles won’t be able to touch the bed because of this. To keep them warm in the winter, make sure to cover their resting place with additional blankets or bedding. Your senior pet may need more warmth to be comfortable, especially if they are skinny or have arthritis. To ensure your pet stays toasty all night long, you may want to invest in a cuddle pad. Simply heat it up in the microwave and lay it beneath your pet’s blanket.
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Clothing
Puppies and older dogs find it harder to control their body temperature. A sweater or coat for dogs might provide an additional layer of protection when the weather becomes particularly chilly. Whatever you choose to dress your dog in, make sure it can move freely and comfortably.
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How to Keep Your Pet Warm This Winter: Grooming
Make sure you keep up a good grooming regime through the winter. Dogs with long fur stay warmer in cold weather, so there’s no need to cut or shave it. You should bathe them indoors in warm water whenever they need it. In order to keep your pet’s coat from matting and remaining an effective insulating barrier throughout the colder, wetter months, you should brush or comb it often.
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Time Outside
If the weather is very chilly, it’s okay to walk a lesser distance than normal. Unless your dog is still exercising every day, there’s no need to put yourself and your pet in danger of becoming too cold. Make sure your pet gets enough of exercise and stays warm by letting them play inside if you have the room.
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Car Travel
Leaving your pet alone in a hot vehicle or a chilly car is just as bad. Do not leave your pet alone in the vehicle for extended periods of time after turning off the heater.
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Food
Extra food may be necessary in the winter for pets that spend a lot of time outside, since they will burn calories attempting to maintain their body temperature. Overfeeding, meanwhile, may lead to weight gain in many house pets, so it’s best avoided. Talk to your vet about your pet’s individual energy needs. Regardless of the season, your canine or feline friend needs a source of outside water that is not frozen.
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Outside Shelter
You should always make sure your outside pet has a safe place to go when the weather becomes bad. Kennels should be weatherproof, with a sloping roof, dry bedding, and some kind of shelter from the elements. In order to keep your pet healthy and happy throughout the colder months, it’s best if they can spend time inside.
For more information or to make a veterinary appointment, call Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.
