With cold weather right around the corner, it is important to think about the safety of dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Pets can have special needs in the wintertime much as humans do. Animals who spend a lot of time outside or have shorter coats will need extra care during the colder months of the year. The experienced staff at an Animal clinic in Fort Wayne Indiana can give you guidance on keeping your pets safe in all types of weather.
Keeping Pets Warm
Keeping pets warm in the winter is an important factor in their overall health. Pets who live outside need access to waterproof housing and those who live in extremely cold climates should have heated housing. Pets who normally live inside should be allowed access to the outside, but watched for signs of hypothermia, frostbite or other cold weather issues. Pets with thin or very short hair benefit from jackets or other animal clothing. If your dog is going to be encountering a lot of ice, booties or other footgear can help prevent injuries and damage to feet and pads.
Food, Supplements, and Water
An Animal clinic in Fort Wayne Indiana can help pet owners with suggestions for supplements or other needed dietary changes for cold weather. Some pets may need foods that are higher in protein and fats in the winter in order to have the energy to burn to keep warm. Others may slow down due to lack of exercise and need food that is better suited to their lack of exercise.
Heated water dishes can keep water flowing for pets who spend their time outside. Access to unfrozen, clean water is important even in the coldest of temperatures.
Keeping Pets Fit in the Winter
Pets who are used to long walks or hours spent outside may become more sedentary in the wintertime when owners cannot spend long hours outside with them. Playing games inside or adding shorter but more frequent walks into the schedule can help keep pets fit until temperatures warm up.
Call a local center such as the Dupont Veterinary Clinic to see how experienced veterinarians and their staff can help keep pets healthy no matter what the weather is outside.
