Winters are tough not only for us humans but also for animals. No matter whether they are furies, skinnies, fishes or birdies,the harsh winter spares none. Again, different animals have different behavioral traits during winters- spanning from their food habits, sleeping patterns to special needs.
Taking care of your pets and being aware of their habits is of utmost importance to avoid any mishaps.
So, let us dig deep into details and find out tips on winter care for our pets and shower them the best of what they deserve.
Different pets and tips on taking care of them:
Dogs:
Some but not all dogs are blessed with furry coat to keep them warm in winters. Dogs owning thin coats need to be covered with an additional layer of insulation that dog coats or jackets would provide. The dog coats and jackets are designed to cover the entire dog’s body except tail, head and legs. One piece of advice would be not to keep your dog out for long evening walks as the tail, ears and other sensitive parts are susceptible to frost bites.
Another aspect to take care on your pooch is its bedding in winter. Ensure that the dog’s bedding is warm, cozy so it can snug in and feel warm and comfortable while sleeping. In case of senior dogs choose heated pet beds to avoid stiffness of joints. Place your pooches’ bedding on warm places and avoid cold concrete or uncarpeted areas.
Read more – How to Care for an Older Dog?
Many furies find it cozy to snug near the corner of the heat equipment and the same goes with the dogs. It is advised by pet experts to avoid heat radiators and install baseboard radiators to avoid your pet from getting burned.
Keeping your pet’s skin moisturized during winters is another important criterion that cannot be ignored. Just like we humans, dog’s skin also becomes brittle and sensitive during chilly winters and therefore needs to be moisturized. One can add health supplements in dog’s food to prevent shedding of their fur. Again, applying coconut oil on the ears, tail, paws and other sensitive body parts can prevent it from cracking and turning brittle.
The food habit of dogs may change during winters as they are prone to be lazy and prefer snugging or sleeping around warm corners. On top of that lack of outdoor activities like long walks or playtime of our pooch is also limited during the winters. Hence, one should check the calorie meter and provide them with right and reduced proportion of food as compared to other seasons. Again, do not overfeed your pet with fats and include raw meat based wholesome diet.
Dehydration is another phenomenon that may affect our pooch in winters apart from the summers. Again, ensure that your dog drinks sufficient water during winters. Also, do not forget to place a bowl filled with water outdoors to ensure your pooch has easy access to water.
A clean and healthy coat is essential to keep your dog insulated in winters. A rule of thumb to follow in winters for dogs would be to thoroughly cleanse your dog and dry it before letting it go outside for playtime.
Just like we human, our pet also needs foot care in winters. Trim your dog’s paw hair to prevent any ice build-up in between them. Again, after taking her for outdoor walks near the city streets or neighborhood, do not forget to rinse off your doggie’s paws. Watch your dog’s behavior closely, and in case your pooch shows discomfort walking outdoor on snow, cover her paws with dog bootie.
It is also vital to check your dog’s outdoor activities as most dogs are playful and may have the habit of venturing into dangerous areas like frozen pond or lakes. Again, do not let your dog out in winters for too long as it may get frostbite or may get dehydrated.
Special attention should be given to the senior dogs as most of them suffer from arthritis and the winters are worst for them. Chilly winters may lead to stiffening of the joints resulting in chronic pain in the senior dogs. It is ideal to add supplements in dog food that act as joint lubricants. Do not forget to provide warm bedding for your senior dogs as it is gives ideal relief from joint pain.
Fishes:
Fishes are delicate pets and the chilling winters may be difficult for them to stay healthy without your support.
The first and foremost aspect of fish care is to change water at right intervals. Yes, we mean right intervals! Again, when we are talking about winters, it is advised to change water at less frequent intervals as compared to other seasons. The reason being: it takes time for fishes to adjust to the freshly changed water and again, it may take time for aquarium and pond heaters to make the temperature normal.
The second important aspect is to ensure that there is sufficient level of Oxygen in the pond or aquarium water. One can install air pumps that pump in Oxygen into the aquarium tanks, it is very vital as such there are no flora and fauna that could release Oxygen into the water. Although, it is not necessary to switch on the air pumps for whole day, but, it must be kept on for few hours.
Fishes, just like most species hibernate during the winters, therefore it is advised not to overfeed it. When you are an aquarium owner or keeping the fishes in pond, you should be aware that there are plenty of plants upon which the fishes can feed upon. Even though you feel it necessary to feed the fishes, you should feed them after every third day. If, you add excess fish food in the tank usually most of it sinks to the bottom and forms toxic ammonia that may be harmful for you fish health.
Parakeets:
These little birdies have beautiful feathers and are a habitat of temperate zone.
When we talk about pet care of parakeets in winter, the foremost thing that hits our mind is what to feed them in this chilly weather. Although, there are plenty of stuffs to feed your birdies, but, nuts should not be ignored. Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acid that boosts up the immune, muscular and cardiovascular system of Parakeets. Again, pomegranates are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants and should be given often to the parakeets.
During this freezing winter, you obviously would not want your birdie to stay outside. Therefore, when you are bringing your parakeet indoors stay alerted to turn off the candle lights. The candles, especially the scented ones release toxins when burnt and may be hazardous for bird’s health.
Felines:
Cats are curious creatures with unique care needs and require more attention during the harsh winters. As the temperature falls and days grows shorter, the cat’s daily routine also changes.
Cat coat develops flakes during the winter apart from turning itchy and red. The fur quality also starts deteriorating and loses its lushness due to lack of moisture content. Therefore, do not forget to supplement your cats food with omega 3 fatty acid as doing so helps in moisture retention in the outer skin of your pet. It is also advised to nourish your cats’ fur with feline fur oil spreading it gently with a comb.
Another aspect to be considered is to check with the behaviour of your pet during winter. The reason being most felines are lethargic during winters and may be found snugging around warm corners. But, if they tend to refuse food and act otherwise, then there is something serious you need to pay attention at immediately. Also, do not forget to buy or prepare a comfortable cat bed for your adorable kitty to snug in comfortably.
Winter not only limits the playtime of your kitty but may be something really serious if you do not keep an eye on her! The reason being cats may develop hypothermia if they remain outside for too long in extreme low temperatures. Again, the kitty may lose its way home when your neighbourhood is covered with piles of snow.
Some but not all breeds of felines have a fur coat; therefore, do not forget to make your kitty wear a cat jacket in case it does not have a natural fur coat.
Conclusion:
Pets occupy a special place in our life as they are the best company when we are lonely or disheartened. Pets gel up easily with our family;make our life even more lively and entertaining. Therefore, in case you have a pet do not forget to pay attention to their needs, especially in the winters. Owning a pet is a matter of great responsibility and one should take care of them as our own family members.
Hope this pet guide blog will be a useful piece of information to our readers!
Comments are closed.