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.
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.
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.
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.
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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