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Winter weather can be tough on humans, but it can also be a real challenge for our pets.
As pet parents, we often think of our furry friends as living in a world of sunshine and rainbows, but they’re just as susceptible to colds and flu as we are, and they need some extra care if they’re going to make it through the winter months.
But don’t worry! There are ways you can prepare yourself and your pet for the upcoming season so that everyone stays healthy, happy, and warm all winter long.
Get the Right Winter Diet for Your Pet
Winter is coming, and it’s time to get your pets ready.
The first step is to make sure you’re feeding them the right kind of diet. The wrong diet can lead to all sorts of health problems, including digestive issues and weight gain. Thus, what should you feed your pet?
Dry food: Dry food is great for keeping your pet happy and healthy during the winter months. It keeps their teeth clean and their breath fresh, which means less time spent in the vet’s office with bad breath.
Nowadays, there are a lot of options available on the market but getting the right winter diet for your pet is not easy at all. It requires you to do some research and make sure that you are choosing the right product for your beloved animal.
The availability of a huge number of online as well as offline resources made it extremely difficult for pet parents. However, genuine sources like PetCareRx make it easy for pet parents to get their hands on quality products at affordable prices.
Wet food: Wet food is also an option for many pet parents, but it can be more expensive than dry food. Wet food is often higher in calories because it contains more moisture than dry food does, which means that if you feed your pet wet food every day or every other day during the winter months, you may need to cut back on their total caloric intake, so they don’t gain weight.
As per the American Veterinary Medical Association, it’s important to consult your veterinarian about your pet’s dietary needs throughout the winter months since outdoor pets will need extra calories to maintain enough body heat and energy to keep them warm.
Keep Them Active and Warm
It’s no secret that winter is the season when pets are most likely to be inactive. But there are many things you can do to keep your pet moving and warm—no matter the weather.
First, make sure they get enough exercise. Winter is a great time for longer walks and more time playing fetch in the backyard, but it’s also important to have fun indoors too. Try playing hide-and-seek or tug-of-war with your pet, or even just getting them involved with some new toys.
Nothing is better if you exercise with your dog. It will help not only your dog to beat the winter blues but also boost your serotonin levels. In fact, some studies have revealed that spending time with pets can make you feel happier and less anxious.
Second, make sure their bedding is comfortable. If you’ve been using a fleece blanket for your dog’s bed, consider switching over to a microfiber option. Microfiber blankets are soft and warm while also being lightweight and breathable, which means that they’ll help keep your pup cozy during those chilly nights while still allowing them to breathe naturally as they sleep.
Winterizing a Dog House
Winter is a great time to get your dog’s outdoor enclosure ready for the cold weather. Here are some tips on how to winterize your dog’s outdoor enclosure:
- Check the roof of your dog’s house for any cracks or holes that need to be fixed. If possible, seal them with a waterproof sealant. This will keep rainwater from seeping through and causing damage to your dog’s house.
- Make sure there is no snow or ice on top of the roof before you let your dog into it! Snow and ice can weigh down the top of the house and cause it to collapse, injuring or killing your pet.
- Remove any debris from around the bottom perimeter of your dog’s outdoor enclosure so that no water gets into it during heavy rains or snowstorms. You can also put rocks around this area so that they act as drainage ditches in case water does get inside somehow (they’ll channel it out).
- Finally, install a heater inside if your climate gets really cold during the winter months (below freezing temperatures at night). This will prevent frostbite on paws and other body parts like noses.
Factors such as the growing adoption of pets, the current worldwide trend toward animal shelters, and new real estate developments that include pet houses will act as the catalysts for the insulated dog house market.
One of the largest markets for heated dog houses in the world is the United States. According to the American Pet Products Association, roughly 69% of U.S. households own dogs which will proportionately drive the demand for these houses in the country.
Summing Up
The winter season can be tough on animals. The cold, dry air can make it hard for them to breathe, and their skin may become dry and flaky. Pets are also more likely to get sick during the winter months, so it’s important to keep these tips in mind to stay prepared and help your pet thrive through the season.
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