Anisha Hassan
As the temperatures are finally starting to drop in the city we prepare ourselves with an army of winter goodies to keep us insulated throughout these months, and stock up on herbal essentials to avoid catching a cold. What we often overlook are the needs of our furry little friends. Sure they have a thick coat, but when it starts to get real cold simply these are not sufficient anymore.
DIET ADJUSTMENTS
With the cold, we change our diet by the slightest, take in more fatty foods that burn to keep us warm from the inside. Pets too need some changes in their diets depending on their daily activities. While some love going out to play in the cold, some like to stay back inside. The more the activity, the more nutrients s/he should be receiving from the diet. If you are unsure as to how to balance it out, contact your vet for the changes required.
PAW CARE
If your pet is one that walks on four feet, then those feet need some extra attention and care. As the floors start getting cooler we slip our feet in cosy slippers. The same should be done for our pets as well. This is especially the case when they go out for walks. If the pet refuses to keep the boots on, which is only normal, you can always try socks. If all else fails, try to minimise their contact with the ground when outside, as much as possible.
HIDE AWAY HEAT SOURCES
As your home starts to get cold, the pets will seek out all the sources of heat in the home to keep themselves warm. This could lead to an utter disaster if they end up reaching the stove or if they come in contact with fires or hot water. Always keep the heat sources away from all pets, and always keep a keen eye out to prevent them from reaching these places.
FEWER BATHS
Just like how we reduce the number of baths during the cold, the same applies for our beloved pets as well. And although we can comfort ourselves with a lot of moisturiser, our pets cannot do the same . Cutting out baths altogether is bad idea as it can lead to allergies and other diseases, so it is advised to reduce the number of baths altogether. Change up your pet's regular shampoos for a more soothing and moisturising one to prevent discomforts from the dry skin.
