A Comprehensive Guide for Effective Winter Care and Management in Dogs and Cats
As winter blankets the world in a chilly embrace, furry companions face a unique set of common health challenges or problems. From the youngest to the oldest, dogs and cats of all ages are susceptible to various winter-related health issues. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore common problems faced by paediatric, young, adult, geriatric, and pregnant pets during the winter season, and their management.
If you are leaving your pet at boarding or at pet hostel then don’t forget to provide all essentials and instructions as per need. Pet’s cold tolerance depends on the body fat, coat, activity and health. Elderly pets with long thick coat may need more attention than a short hair coat adult during extreme winter days. Short legged pets like Dachshunds and Toy breed dog’s belly are more closure to cold surface and brachycephalic breeds like pugs, bull dogs may require more attention.
Pets with diseases like diabetes, heart issues, hormonal issues like Cushing’s disease have poor ability to maintain their body temperatures during extreme winter. Winter and snowfall can reduce smell power of pets which can lead in problems like finding way back to home or picking up unusual or unsafe things during walks.
1. Paediatric Pets:
a. Hypothermia:
Newborn and young pets are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia, as they struggle to regulate their body temperature effectively. Signs include low rectal temperature with shivering, lethargy, and cold skin.
Management:
Indoor heating systems, sweaters, comfortable and warm bedding can help in preventing hypothermia in neonates and young pets.
b. Respiratory Infections:
Underdeveloped immune systems and environmental stress make young pets prone to respiratory infections during the season. Indoor heating systems can lead to dry air and respiratory discomfort in some pets.
Management:
Cold weather exacerbates the risk, so proper shelter and warmth are crucial. May need supportive medications and antibiotic therapy until recovery.
2. Young Pets:
a. Frostbite:
In the areas of snow fall young pets may not realize the dangers of extreme cold, leading to frostbite on their paws, ear tips, or tail. Serious injuries may lead to necrosis and gangrene setup. Boots can hep in preventing frost bites and injuries on the toes or foot.
Management:
Check paws regularly for any cracks, bleeding or discolouration of skin. Limit outdoor exposure during snow fall in order to prevent this issue. Boots and paw creams can help in the management. Take to your vet immediately in case of injury.
b. Slips and Falls:
Ice-covered smooth surfaces pose a risk of slips and falls, potentially causing injuries like contusion, cuts, lameness due to muscle or tendon injury and in some cases may lead to a fracture. Accumulation of ice in the long hair coat may also lead to discomfort, lameness or ice injury.
Management:
Pet-friendly salt or sand can be used to minimize icy surfaces. Indoor activities can be used to keep your pet active and busy during these days and lesser outdoor activities can be an option. Taking out on a leash or harness during outdoor activities in the season can help in reducing such incidences.
3. Adult Pets:
a. Arthritis Aggravation:
Cold weather can worsen arthritis symptoms in adult and geriatric pets suffering from this issue. Aggravation can lead to increased discomfort, pain, lameness and reduced activity.
Management:
Provide warm bedding, consider joint supplements, joint food, physiotherapy measures, pain management and engage in low-impact exercises to alleviate discomfort.
b. Dehydration:
Indoor heating systems can lead to dry air, contributing to dehydration and respiratory discomfort.
Management:
Ensure access to fresh water and consider using a humidifier. Oil radiators or heaters are a better option that don’t cause much dryness of air.
4. Geriatric Pets:
a. Decreased Immunity:
Older pets generally have weak or compromised immune systems, making them susceptible to infections and other illnesses.
Management:
Regular veterinary check-ups, supplements and a well-balanced home or professional diet are essential.
b. Weight gain:
Decreased physical activity, increased metabolism and feeding during winter season can contribute to weight gain.
Management:
Adjust their diet or keep on weight management diets and engage in light exercises to maintain a healthy weight. Body condition score and regular weight check can help in better management.
5. Pregnant and Nursing Pets:
a. Compromised Immunity:
Pregnancy and lactation can temporarily weaken the immune system due to production stress, making expectant and lactating mothers more vulnerable to infections and weak immune system.
Management:
Provide a warm and draft-free environment. Make dietary changes, give supplements, vaccinate and deworm as per schedule and monitor for signs of illness if any.
b. Nutritional Needs:
Pregnant and nursing pets require a well-balanced diet with increased nutritional content to meet the additional energy and nutrient requirement.
Management:
Consult with a veterinarian to know about the supplements and adjust their diet accordingly.
Management Strategies Overall:
a. Proper Shelter:
Irrespective of the age providing adequate shelter is paramount. Ensure that it is insulated, draft-free, and equipped with comfortable, warm bedding.
b. Appropriate Clothing:
Consider using pet comfortable clothing during extreme winters, especially for short-haired breeds, geriatric pets and small/ young pets. Boots/ Shoes can protect paws from ice and salt.
c. Regular Vet Check-ups:
Schedule regular veterinary visits to monitor your pet’s health and address any concerns promptly. Pets with heart issues, joint problems, senior dogs may require regular visits during this season.
d. Balanced Diet:
Adjust your pet’s diet to meet their specific needs during winter. It may need accounting for age, activity level, and any health conditions like joint issues, obesity, cardiac issues etc.
e. Hydration:
Ensure a constant supply of fresh water. It may need to change water or provide lukewarm water during the season. Fresh water availability is needed all the time if using indoor heating systems as it can contribute to dry air and dehydration.
f. Supplements and medications:
Always keep necessary medications and supplements for senior dogs and those who are on therapy. Pain management medication, thyroid medication, heart medication, tick and flea medication, joint supplements etc should be continued.
Conclusion:
As winter settles in, being aware of the unique health challenges faced by pets of all ages is crucial for responsible pet ownership. By implementing the management strategies for young, adult, pregnant, lactating and senior pets can ensure that pets stay healthy and happy throughout the winter season. Always consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to your pet’s individual needs.
FAQs:
Can cats go into heat in the winter?
Yes. Cats go into heat or periods during winter season. September to March is critical period for them.
How do stray / feral cats survive in winter?
Feral or stray cats are adventurous, resilient and accustomed to live outside. Usually they live in colonies, dig holes, lives in abandoned buildings. They eat and sleep most of the time during winter to preserve energy.
Do dogs/ cats sleep more in winter?
Yes. They need to reserve their energy for metabolic needs and body temperature regulation. This behaviour is natural during winters.
How to keep outside (feral) cats and dogs warm in winter?
Providing extra food, heated pet bowels, warm fresh water availability, building a shelter can help in keeping stray cats warm during winter.
Do dogs and cats get cold in the winter?
Yes. Unlike human dogs are also susceptible for cold and respiratory infections during winter. Cats get cold more easily.
Can dogs and cats get fleas in the winter?
Yes. Fleas live and feed on warm blood and can survive in the winters in warm house environment. Eggs helps in the completion of life cycle.
Do fleas and ticks on pet die in the winter?
They go in dormant phase, eggs hatch on warmer days and able to survive in warmer places of the house.
Do dogs and cats need tick and flea treatment / medicine like bravecto during winter?
Yes. regular tick and flea preventive treatment is necessary to keep your pet safe because these ectoparasites go dormant but are able to survive during winters.
How to keep your dog/ cat warm during the winter?
To keep your pets warm, provide fresh warm water, extra food, warm beds, coats/ sweaters, boots/ shoes and blankets to snuggles.
How often should I bathe my dog in winter?
Bathing frequency during winter depends on the skin and coat of pet but once in 3-4 weeks is fine to maintain a healthy skin and coat. Choose a bright shiny or warmer day and dry thoroughly.
Is shedding a lot in winter normal?
Dogs or cats can shed more during winter due to seasonal changes, dehydration, dry skin, less grooming, skin infection or hormonal issues.
Do pets eat more during winter?
Yes. It is normal for dogs and cats to eat more during winter due to increased metabolism and needs to maintain temperature.
Do dogs need heartworm medicine or Heartgard in the winter?
Yes. There are fewer mosquitoes in the winter but always there are chances of heart worm infestation.
Dog dogs really need winter coats?
Yes. They may need winter coats. Even young dogs with thick and long hairs may also be susceptible for hypothermia and frost bites.
