With the arrival of winter our four-legged friends need special care. In fact, low temperatures also put dogs and cats to the test. Those of small size and short- haired who struggle to retain heat precisely because of their conformation are most affected by the coldest months of the year . And if it comes to animals that live outdoors, regardless of breed, it is essential that they have a place to shelter from the elements and where to go to sleep at night when temperatures drop further.
You want to be sure that your little friends will spend the winter peacefully.
Follow these 8 precious tips. Warm and sheltered
If they are house pets, they can count on a warm and welcoming home, but if they stay outdoors you must make sure that the shelter for dogs and cats in winter is dry and of adequate size for the size of the animal. Inside the kennel put some woolen blankets (you can also use old clothes, sheets or towels) so that it stays warm and change them regularly in case they get wet due to rain and snow. Also make sure that the entrance is not exposed to cold currents. Try to insulate the kennel as much as possible with materials that can keep the cold outside. You can also directly buy practical insulated kennels useful for this purpose. The right foodJust like for people, the diet of dogs and cats also changes with the seasons. The harsh winter weather requires a higher calorie intake. Animals that spend most of their time outdoors burn more to be able to warm up, for this reason it is important that their nutrition is particularly rich and complete otherwise they will experience a strong weight loss and greater weakness. You have a habit of leaving their water bowl outside
In winter it could freeze! Be sure to change it regularly and check that it is not frozen.
To be on the safe side when choosing food, it is better to opt for high quality products, such as those offered by Monge, a company that has always been careful to guarantee the quality and safety of pet food for our pets, with specific lines for the needs of dogs and cats. Clothes for the winter If they are particularly sensitive to the cold, cover your pets with waterproof coats when they are outdoors. Snow and salt or other materials used to keep the streets from freezing can also irritate the paws of dogs and cats, a good solution is to use shoes specially designed for them. Walking with cautionWait for the least freezing hours to go out for a walk with your animals, generally the central hours of the day are the most suitable. The exits then it is good that they are not too long, rather opt for numerous but short walks. Also be careful not to subject them to sudden changes in temperature, they could get sick. Do not leave your pet in the car We know that in the summer the car left in the sun becomes an oven, in the same way in the winter it can turn into a freezer. Therefore, avoid keeping your pets in the car if you are not there too and if the heating is not on, especially at night when the temperatures drop and the car becomes particularly cold. Away from antifreezeDo not leave the antifreeze for the car unattended (and within the reach of your little friends) they could spill it and drink it by mistake. Should this happen, run immediately to the vet and take the package of the product with you so that the doctor can understand what they have ingested and take action accordingly. Look under the car before you leave It often happens that dogs, cats and wild animals get under cars to shelter from the cold. For this reason, be careful and always check that they have not taken refuge under your car before starting it and leaving. Dry coat When it rains or snows the coat of dogs and cats gets wet, it is important that it be dried carefully otherwise the animal will suffer. A good practice is also to brush them often and for a long time in order to promote blood circulation. Also avoid too frequent washing since cleaning them often also remove the protective oils naturally present on the skin of the animals, making it more vulnerable.
In collaboration with Monge
