Cold Weather Tips for Pets

Your veterinarian in Reisterstown and Owings Mills recommends that you take special precautions for pets during cold weather season. From climate control tips to altering your pet’s diet, consider making these changes this coming winter.

Monitor Home Humidity Levels

In cold weather, the air in your home is much drier than in warmer months. This dry air can be a source of discomfort for your pets in the form of itchy, flaking skin. The problem is exacerbated when your pet comes in from the cold into the warmth of the home. To limit discomfort, consider installing a floor or table top humidifier to help keep humidity levels within the normal range.

Avoid Excessive Shaving

In warmer months, shaving your furry companion is a nice thing to do to help keep them cool. But avoid excessive shaving as soon as the temperature starts dropping. Your pet needs to grow their winter coat so their bodies can maintain the correct internal bodily temperatures.

Reduce Bathing

While bathing is necessary in summer, it’s best to reduce the number of times you bathe your pet in winter. The water and soap combination can be drying to skin and, combined with cold dry air, can create problem skin with eczema, dandruff, and more.

Provide Warm Shelter

If you work during the day and tend to leave your pet out in the fenced-in backyard, be sure your pet has a warm place to shelter from the cold. Remember too, that even warmer winter days can quickly turn freezing cold due to blustery winds or sudden snowstorms. And, while your pet’s doghouse might be sufficient for shade in the summer, it’s likely inadequate to keep warm unless it’s insulated. Overall, it’s best not to leave pets outdoors unattended in cold weather.

Offer Veterinarian-Approved Dry Food Over Wet

If your pet’s food bowl is in the garage or on the outside deck during cold weather, consider switching to dry food that has been approved by your veterinarian. Wet food will have a tendency to become hard or even freeze, making it difficult or impossible to eat. If your pet dental health isn’t ideal, this could even mean that your pet could become malnourished over time.

Contact TLC For Pets Today!

If your pet is due for a veterinarian appointment or you would like more information about caring for pets in cold weather, please contact TLC For Pets in Reisterstown and Owings Mills today.