Top Winter Weather Tips for Pet Owners
Beyond the holiday celebrations, cozy fireplaces and bundled up winter clothing for us humans, winter may mean other things for our pets. Specifically, during the cold winter months there are a few things pet owners should be aware of that may affect your pet’s health and well-being. Here are a few tips to ensure your pet is in optimal health during the winter season!
Winter Weight Gain
Most of us gain weight in the winter due to less activity and this often includes our pets too. Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important for older dogs because the excess weight adds to stress on their joints.
For dogs that are prone to being overweight, a reduction of 10% of their food can help prevent additional winter gains. If your pet is still begging for food, you can replace 20% of his food with green beans to help him feel full while reducing calorie consumption.
Beat Dry Skin
Dry air from indoor heaters can cause dry, itchy skin. If possible, avoid bathing in the winter more than every 2 weeks. If your dog has winter allergies or needs to be bathed more frequently, a veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that can be used more often and can help moisturize the skin. Dry shampoos or moisturizing mousses can help condition skin and aid in freshening hair between baths.
Furr: Pet Spa & Wellness offers a variety of restorative and conditioning grooming packages and add-on services to remedy your pup’s winter dryness.
| COAT RESTORATION PACKAGE | REJUVENATION PACKAGE |
|---|---|
| • Additional 30 minutes of brushing • Shampoo upgrade • De-Shed treatment or mud scrub • Hot towel treatment – body conditioning wrap |
• Medicated Shampoo • Mud or sugar scrub • Restorative paw pad cream • Deep ear flush |
| MOISTURIZING ADD-ON SERVICES |
|---|
| BODY CONDITIONING WRAP Add our hot towel treatment to any deep conditioning service to enhance the deep moisturizing results. |
| DEEP SEA MINERAL MUD SCRUB Deep conditioning treatment, rehydrates and rebuilds the coat while pampering your pet. This treatment exfoliates the skin to remove impurities, and provides the skin and coat with valuable minerals that absorb into the body for greater health results. The end results are a softer, shinier, and smoother hair and coat. |
| RESTORATIVE PAW PAD TREATMENT This service features a revolutionary formula for dogs and cats that will strengthen and repair dry damaged coat and heal cracked paw pads. |
Support Sore Joints
Cold temperatures can exacerbate underlying arthritis. Make sure pets have plenty of soft places to sleep and keep walks short in cold temperatures. If your pet is on a medication for arthritis, winter is a good time to update their physical exam and go over their medication plan with your vet.
Winter Walks
During cold temperatures, shorten walks and watch your pet closely for shaking, resistance to walking, heat seeking, or discomfort.
- Coats and sweaters can help hold heat in for short coated dogs.
- Longer haired coats should be trimmed regularly around the legs and abdomen to keep ice and snow from clinging to hair.
- Booties can protect paw pads from frostbite or lacerations on sharp frozen terrain.
- Vaseline can be massaged into paw pads to keep them conditioned and to help form a protective covering from salt and chemicals on sidewalks.
- Make sure pets do not ingest salt on sidewalks. Even pet-friendly de-icing products can be dangerous in large enough quantities. It is important to not leave pets unattended where they can consume de-icer of any form.
Collar and Microchip Check
Winter is a common time for dogs and cats to go missing, and snow can keep them from smelling common landmarks that help them find their way home. The freezing temperatures of winter add a new element of stress and concern for missing pets out in the elements. Make sure your contact info is listed on your pet’s collar and if your pet does not already have a microchip, this is a good time to have one administered. (Learn more: Microchips Made Simple.)
Check your engine
Feral cats will commonly seek shelter and warmth under the hood of cars. Give feral animals warning by making noise and check under your car if it is parked outside before starting it.
