The freezing cold can attack your pet, dog, cat and companion, especially if he stays outside for a good part of the day. How can you protect your pet this winter? We recommends some clever tips by listing the precautions to take outside and inside the house, without forgetting the inevitable down jacket.
1/ Give him a doghouse, the star of the season
With winter temperatures hovering around 0°C or below, your pet needs a place to stay around your house if it’s going to be outside all day while you’re away.
The dog house is an ideal shelter against bad weather, wind, rain, snow. Consider adding a mat to the floor to better insulate your dog’s kennel.
2/ Fill up on premium kibble
A living creature that suffers from the cold will burn more calories. Veterinarians recommend a 15% increase in the amount of kibble or formula fed to your pet, provided your pet is athletic. Be careful, if your pet is overweight, keep to your usual amounts, especially for indoor dogs or cats.
3/ Install a cat or dog flap
The cat flap is an ultra-practical accessory dedicated to your cat’s freedom and to his comings and goings in full autonomy. Your cat will appreciate being able to come home as soon as it’s too cold to go out and walk around as usual.
4/ Watch for a ray of sunshine before going out
Summer or winter, you walk your dog to stretch his legs and do his business. Don’t change the frequency of these walks because of the cold. It’s important to keep your dog well covered, even if it’s shortened, and to choose the best time of the day.
5/ Break the ice without hesitation!
If you own horses, you’ll need to keep an eye on their water trough, which tends to freeze on cold nights. You’ll need to break the ice regularly to ensure that your animals have fresh, pleasant water to drink. In addition, sawdust or sand, sprinkled on top of the water, will absorb moisture from the ground and prevent your horses from slipping or injuring themselves. No antifreeze, which is toxic for dogs and cats.
6/ Mulch your chickens’ nests
Farm animal lovers, you’ll need to add hay to the coop for the well-being of your chickens. A good layer of fresh, clean straw sprinkled with diatomaceous earth will form a cozy nest for your barnyard. You can also increase the daily grain ration so they can eat what they need to keep warm.
7/ Wear a comfortable down jacket
The winter down jacket is the trendy fashion accessory for both you and your pet. Whether you have a puppy, a small dog, a sensitive dog or an aging dog, you’ll stay alert during his walks on the leash by equipping your four-legged friend with a warm coat, a raincoat, a fleece sweater or a beanie…. Short-haired animals are the most vulnerable.
8/ Keep paws warm
It’s important to protect your pet’s paws from chapping and cracking. Our experts advise you to clean and dry your pet’s paws, belly and pads as soon as you get home, because of the irritation caused by frost or salt. Have you thought about adapted slippers, socks and boots? Your pet will tell you all about it 😉
9/ Protect him with a horse blanket
Horses have special blankets that are essential for keeping them warm naturally in their stalls. Covering, insulating, warm and comfortable, it is the favorite blanket of the equids in winter, in addition to an adapted food and attentive care.
10/ Think of a cat blanket
The plaid will comfort your nomadic feline in its cushion or basket near a fireplace or a radiator. Long live the winter evenings in charming company, to the tune of the soothing purrs!
11/ Reptile heaters
Reptile fan? Lighting lamps are real heat points in the terrarium, creating an environment adapted to the right temperature of your animal. UVB rays are necessary for the metabolism of reptiles.
12/ Let your pet’s hair grow
There is no need to over-maintain your pet’s hair, just cut knots or detangle it regularly. The coat is like a natural epidermal cover that protects them effectively in winter while regulating their own internal temperature.
13/ Keeping it warm
Is your dog suffering from arthritis, is he sick or recovering? In this case, the only thing to do is to keep him warm, an inexhaustible source of well-being. Close doors and windows to avoid drafts.
14/ Provide a bowl of fresh water
The heated air in your home from a stove or electric heater can dehydrate your pet. Put a water bowl or an automatic water fountain at his disposal day and night.
You will no longer fear the imminent arrival of cold weather! Your pet is also well prepared to face it. We offers many accessories dedicated to the comfort and well-being of your furry, feathered or scaly companion. You’ll enjoy a few invigorating winter walks armed to the teeth, won’t you?
