Many tutors think that the coat is enough to protect their pets in winter, but the truth is that, to take care of animals at this time of year, you need to pay attention to some special tasks. You might not think so, but animals feel cold and get sick, just like humans.
Of course, some are more resistant to the cold, such as the Siberian husky and the Saint Bernard. Despite this, here in Pak, the most popular dogs and cats are those that adapt to the mild temperatures of the tropical country.
With that in mind, we’ve listed the main winter precautions you should follow to protect your pet from the cold and prevent it from getting sick. Check out!
Stay with the physical exercises
On cold days, our tendency is to stay under the covers and rest. But it’s important that your pet stays active, to avoid overweight, spend accumulated energy and reduce stress .
To make the activity more enjoyable, take the walks outdoors at times when the temperature is higher. You can also stimulate your pet without leaving home: games like hide-and-seek and hunting for food can be done in the backyard and are welcome.
Offer a healthy and balanced diet
Taking care of animals also means taking care of nutrition. In the case of cats and dogs, it is necessary to offer a food rich in fibers, proteins and vitamins , according to their energy needs. Puppy and young animals need more energy at meals than older ones. Therefore, it is important to follow the food portions recommended by your veterinarian.
Hydration is also important: many pets consume less water than they should and, in winter, this habit tends to get worse. To change the scenery, try to leave water fountains spread over more rooms in the house. For those who have felines, the best tip is to invest in automatic fountains, so that the pet always has access to fresh, clean water.
Dry him well after bathing
Anyone who has a cat knows that felines spend a good part of the day taking care of their own cleanliness, so bathing is only necessary in atypical cases, such as when the feline goes through dirty places or has contact with something sticky.
As for dog tutors, the scenario changes and baths have to happen with the same frequency at all times of the year. To prevent the dog from getting sick due to the low temperature, it is necessary that, after bathing, drying is complete.
In addition to damp hair reducing the thermal sensation, moisture in the body leaves the animal more exposed to micro-organisms and susceptible to dermatological problems. So make sure he’s dry after bathing, even if the process takes time. Be patient and ensure your pet’s well-being.
Keep it warm
Cats and dogs feel cold, that’s a fact. To make winter days more enjoyable, you need to make sure they have access to a warm and comfortable environment at all times.
Just like humans, animals look for warmer places at that time. Therefore, blankets and beds become practically indispensable. If you notice that your pet is curling up or curling up on its own body when resting, know that it is trying to warm up. When this happens, try to increase the temperature of the room, either with more covers or with a heater for dogs and cats.
Another alternative is to invest in clothing for animals: give preference to clothing that does not limit the pet’s movements and that do not have props that can be ingested. Slightly wider clothes are also welcome, so that the animal does not feel strange or trapped when wearing it.
If you don’t already have them, the above items are easily found in pet stores, both physical and online.
Increase the interval between clippings
As we mentioned, the coat is one of the factors that contribute to keeping animals warm in winter, functioning as a natural barrier against the wind.
If your pet is furry, we recommend that the interval between grooming be longer at this time of year. However, it is worth noting that hygienic grooming and brushing must be kept up to date, to avoid the formation of knots in the hair and ensure that they adequately protect the animal’s skin.
Watch out for flu symptoms
The virus circulates all year round, but just like in humans, cases of animal flu also appear in greater numbers in winter.
Contrary to what many people think, the increase in occurrences is not related to low temperatures, but to the lower circulation of air in environments, as windows and doors tend to stay closed longer during the season.
If your pet attends hotels and schools for animals, it is good to contact a trusted veterinarian and find out about flu vaccines .
In dogs, canine flu can be detected by several symptoms, such as sneezing, excessive coughing, runny nose and fever (which can be alerted when the muzzle is hot and dry).
In felines, the main symptoms are the same. In addition to the flu, you should also be aware of signs of asthma and bronchitis, two common health problems in cats. Like the flu, they are more recurrent in the cold and their symptoms are: cough, loss of weight and appetite, difficulty breathing and lack of interest in routine activities, such as self-cleaning.
When noticing any behavior or symptoms mentioned above, go to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible and follow the medical recommendations for examinations and treatments.
