Hats, Coats, Boots, Mufflers!!! You are already aware of how to take care of yourself in winters, but are you prepared to take care of your pets too? During cold winters, the air is dry, chilly, and rain, and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy skin to your pet. It would be best if you gave a little extra care to them, providing them safety and comfort in this excruciatingly cold winter.
Here are a few of the essential tips and advice to take care of your furry friends:
Let woolens keep your pets warm
Some cats and dogs, such as Persian cats, the Norwegian Forest cat, Tibetan terriers, Portuguese water dogs, have furs that are gorgeously thick and soft. Their hair comforts them in winters and keeps them warm in cold winter. But for another breed that does not have such thick coats, you may need to give extra care. Wrap them in woolens like sweaters and jackets with soft and warm collars. You can create customized woolens at home or buy them from stores. Pick the correct size and right material that fits them perfectly and keep them warm. Woolens should be comfortable that does not hinder them from running while going for a walk.
Let them stay indoors
Not all pets can survive cold and chilly winter. Even if they are protected with woolens, they need to be protected from chilly winds. They can catch a cold if exposed to chilly weather. The best advice is to keep them indoors so that they do not suffer from chapped paws and flaky, itchy skin. Home is the best place for them to stay protected and warm. Buckhead paws will take care of your pet when you are away. Your pet will get all the love and care there.
Install heat warmers
Dogs and cats have furs that are their natural warmer. To keep them extra warm and safe, you can install electric warmers or blowers that throw warm air. This can make the room temperature high and thus can keep them safe from cold. These heat warmers can be bought from the store and are portable, so you move them where your pets move. Keep an eye on them so that they do not get close to heaters and get burnt.
Avoid giving them baths
All Pets need to be clean and hygienic. They should be given proper baths regularly, especially if they are getting dirty in the mud and during outdoor play. But in winter, it is advised to reduce the frequency of giving them baths as this can cause cold to them. Make their coat dry completely with blowers whenever they are wet. Avoid taking them for a walk outdoors after washings.
Do not shave off their coat
Your pet’s skin keeps them warm. Furs act as a barrier with cold temperature and their body. They are thus making their body-friendly and safe. Shaving their coat off will remove this barrier and hence will expose their body to cold, making them vulnerable to cold temperatures. So, avoid shaving off their fur to the skin in winter. If the pets are yearning for a long winter walk, Buckhead paws are equipped with essential accessories to take your pet outdoors to have pleasure.
Anti-freezing bowls
Just like us, Pets also feel thirsty in cold weather. Water is freezing winter gets cold, and if the pot of water is kept outside, it might get frozen. There are plenty of options to keep the water warm. You can buy an anti-freezing bowl that keeps the water warm for a long time. Ensure to change the water from time to time so that your pets always get fresh and clean water to quench their thirst and can avoid getting any infection through stale water.
Add extra blankets to their bedding
Generally, people living in frigid winters place carpets and rugs all over the floor to avoid direct contact of the body with the story. This is one of the best ways to keep them warm and avoid contact with cold floors. Make the bedding of your furry friend warm and cozy with extra mattresses and blankets. It should be kept in friendly places where they can feel the warmth. Avoid them with direct contact of cold floors as it can make them fall sick. Bedding is available in various sizes and shapes. Buy the one where you think your furry family can snuggle upon and play.
Take them to vets regularly
In spite of taking extra caution unfriendly winters; your pet friends can catch diseases that you might detect later when the condition severs. Pets having health issues like arthritis or skin diseases need to visit their doctors regularly. Winters can cause more pain in their joints and skin if not taken care of properly. Consulting the vets can help maintain their health and help find any infection at an early stage. Doctors give health supplements that can be given to the pets to protect them from any bacterial or viral infection. Buckhead paws have expert vets to take care of your beloved pets
Avoid Hypothermia
It happens when your delicate furry friend is unable to maintain its body temperature, and it goes beyond a limit that their body does not function normally as required. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia in animals. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, weakness, stiffness in muscles, difficulty in breathing, and inability to concentrate. They sometimes can go into a depression where their central nervous system stops functioning. So to avoid getting them hypothermia, keep them warm all the time and maintain their body temperature. Bathe them as little as possible and do not take them for winter walk when the temperature falls to the extreme.
Even if it is the tiniest sign that catches your attention and you think its hypothermia, visit the vet immediately to ensure that your friend is alright. Buckhead Paws are there to help you out in all your needs.
