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How do I protect my pet from the cold ?

3 December 2021

The cold weather seems to have set in, and the drop in temperature can make going out less pleasant for your pet. Here is a summary of what you can do to protect your pet.

 

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to give up on walks or other outdoor activities. As well as being active, here are some ideas to help your pet cope with the cold weather.

The coat

This is the perfect accessory to combine style and warmth. It is best to avoid this type of protection for animals that spend most of their time outdoors, otherwise they will not be able to adjust the thickness of their subcutaneous fat tissue and the density of their undercoat. Coats are therefore recommended for dogs that usually live indoors, as their coat is not adapted to low temperatures, or for dogs with a short coat or that have been groomed recently. Very young or ageing animals are also more sensitive to cold, as are bare breeds. Depending on the material you choose, this coat can also protect against rain.

Cats generally have a very poor tolerance for coats and other jerseys… Too bad, but you have to admit that it’s pretty cute.

chaton avec un pull

Slippers and balms

If your dog or cat seems to be stomping around more, it’s probably because he doesn’t like the feel of the cold ground under his paws. Protecting his paws from cold, snow and/or ice is important for his comfort but also to prevent cracks from forming. In this case, you can opt for insulating slippers. Not all animals can stand them, and you may have to try several models before your four-legged friend adopts one… There are also protective, waterproof balms, which are usually much easier to get your pet to accept. Make sure you apply it just before going out: they are very greasy, and could therefore stain his cushion or your sofa. If necessary, you can also apply it to his nose: these balms often have moisturising properties.

 

The outdoors

If you allow your pet to go outside alone in your garden, it’s best to provide a place where it can be protected from strong winds, snow or rain. For cats, a cat flap (perhaps even a connected one – only your cat can operate the mechanism in this case) is often the best option. For dogs, a well-placed kennel (sheltered from the wind and sun in winter) and well insulated is generally appreciated.

 

And when you return from a walk, how do you help your dog to warm up ?

When you come back from a walk in the rain or snow, remember to wipe your four-legged friend’s coat, as this will help it to warm up. For long-haired pets, check that there are no ice packs stuck to the coat: these could cause irritation and burns. If this is the case, make sure you remove them, using a comb for example.

Also remember to rinse his paws with warm water and then wipe them off. In addition to warming him up, this will ensure that no stones or ice packs have slipped through his fingers or that he has not injured himself, and will remove the road salt that is spread on pavements and roads when temperatures fall. When it comes into contact with the skin, this salt can cause irritation and aggravate small lesions and other cuts. Ingested, it can also cause digestive problems.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.  

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat.  Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.    

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.    

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet. 

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