13 Pet Care “Rules” You Should Break This Winter
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It’s true that winter is full of cozy nights, holiday festivities, and snow covered landscapes, but it also forces us to shake up how we care for our furry friends. Conventional advice to keep pets happy and healthy is fine, but some of it may need a new perspective. The truth is some of the “rules” we’ve been following all these years aren’t quite as black and white as we think.
Whether it’s how often you bathe your dog or when you take your indoor cat out to see snow for the first time, there’s no harm in reconsidering how you do things, because it can bring you and your furry friends comfort and joy. Let’s dig in!
Dogs Need Less Exercise During Winter
Just because it’s cold weather doesn’t mean your dog should become a couch potato. Although the weather may enforce limited outdoor activity, there are plenty of breeds that love to burn off steam both physically and mentally no matter what the season. If you can’t skip your walks, do shorter ones more frequently. You can also throw in a positive twist by playing indoor games like hide and seek.
Cats Should Stay Strictly Indoors
It’s true that winter can be risky (frostbite, icy falls) but your adventurous cat might benefit from supervised exploration. If you have a feline friend, a quick walk on a leash or a little time in a safe backyard can let your cat get some much needed vitamin D. Just make sure that they have a warm, well fitted coat.
Over-Bundling Your Pets
Pets in sweaters are so cute, but not all animals need to be covered in layers of clothing. Some pets are so used to that thick fur coat they have that they may overheat if they’re overdressed. Listen to your pet and its signals—panting or looking uncomfortable in their cozy sweater may be a signal that it’s time to let them go au naturel.
No Bathing in Winter
That old idea that you shouldn’t give pets baths in cold weather is bunk. While over bathing can dry the skin, bathing less often with a moisturizing shampoo will keep your pet clean and comfortable. Afterwards, dry them thoroughly, and don’t put them in drafts while they are damp. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, more pet owners now bathe their dogs year round, a change from more rigid grooming habits.
Feed More to Keep Pets Warm
Often, we think pets need special calories when it’s cold to keep them warm, that’s not the case for all pets. One thing about indoor pets, especially, is that they burn fewer calories in the winter because they are less active. If you overfeed your pet, he or she can gain weight, which can lead to other health problems. Unless your vet tells you otherwise, stick to their usual diet.
Only Freshwater Is Needed
Stray or outdoor pets don’t have access to water in the freezing temperatures, and outdoor water sources can turn into blocks of ice when it’s this cold. You can help by investing in heated pet bowl or by bringing in outdoor water dishes. It doesn’t take much to keep your pets hydrated and healthy.
Winter Boots Are Excessive
Not all pets require boots, but for those that do, like dogs with sensitive paws, for example, or any pet in icy, salted areas, winter footwear can make a big difference. There may be enough salt and deicers in the area to cause their paw pads to become irritated or even burn. If boots are too much, try a pet safe paw balm.
Indoor Pets Don’t Need Checkups
Just because your pets are hibernating inside doesn’t mean they can’t get sick. Pets can have arthritis or respiratory problems and cold. Dry air can make it worse. Year round, vet visits are still important. Preventive care has the effect of reducing long term health costs while improving pets’ overall quality of life, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Pets Don’t Get Lonely in Winter
With shorter days and long nights, it’s not only humans that can experience seasonal changes. Many animals simply need human interaction, and being cooped indoors can make an animal bored or anxious. Cuddles, games or even some new training tricks will help to brighten their days.
Dogs Don’t Need Sunscreen
UV rays off snow may not be as intense as that of the winter sun, but they can harm pets with light skin or thin coats. Just as you would on a summer beach day, you use a pet-safe sunscreen in the winter.
Pet Beds Don’t Need an Upgrade
Even fluffiest pets are uncomfortable on cold floors. Their usual bedding can be swapped out for a warm option, such as a memory foam or heated pad that will keep them cozy. Comfort is key.
Pets Don’t Need Identification in Winter
Snowstorms can disorient pets and injuries from icy roads can be risky. Keep your pet’s information (their tags and microchip information) up to date. The ASPCA notes that pets that are microchipped are 20 percent more likely to be reunited with their families than pets without identification.
Training Stops During Winter
Obedience skills are a perfect thing to brush up on during the Winter, or to teach new tricks. If you’ve been stuck inside, you can turn training into a bonding activity. Treats or toys are a good way to motivate pets to stay sharp, and to keep your shoes from being chew toys due to boredom!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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