Cold weather health tips for your pet
The cold weather isn’t behind us yet. Follow these steps to keep your pets happy and healthy for the rest of the season.
Like humans, pets tend to slow down in winter, preferring to curl up rather than go out. But less activity isn’t great for their health and, combined with the cold, can aggravate certain conditions like arthritis as well.
Dr Guy Fyvie, Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s veterinary advisor, has this advice:
Exercise and watching calories
Many of us find it difficult to get outside and exercise during winter, and our pets feel the same. However, the more time they spend lying inside, the stiffer their joints will become and the easier it will be for them to put on weight. The solution: go for a brisk walk with your dog when the winter sun is high, play catch in the garden, or entertain your cat with a feathered toy.
Take care of your pet’s arthritic joints
Arthritis is amplified by the cold and if not managed properly can be painful. Other contributing factors include age, breed and excess weight. Symptoms in dogs include lameness (especially when rising), whimpering when joints are touched, reluctance to play or climb stairs, a tendency to lie down instead of sit upright, and sleeping more than usual. Cats are good at hiding their pain, so look for signs such as poor grooming, reluctance to play or jump, and sleeping more than usual. The food your pet eats plays an important role in their overall health and well-being – Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d food for joint care is made with high levels of specific Omega-3 fatty acids, Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help improve mobility.
Check water regularly
In very cold places around the country, especially in areas where frost is common, make sure your pets’ water does not freeze over. Check regularly and change when necessary.
Keeping warm
Make sure your pet has a warm, sheltered area that is out of the cold, wet and wind. A nice fluffy blanket over a bed will provide extra warmth and comfort.
Remember, our pets aren’t able to tell us when they’re in pain or feeling cold, so be alert to changes in their behaviour, says Dr Fyvie, and if you’re feeling the chill, know that they are too!
Visit the Hill’s website for more information.
