Winter Blues
As the weather gets colder, your pet might need some winterizing of their own. It is harder to get out and get exercise during the colder months. This could mean something as simple as adjusting the feeding schedule to a little less food to account for the more snuggle time hours and less yard play. It could mean to watch the steps for ice for your older dog as they exit the house for potty breaks, so they don’t slip and act up joint disease coming on with age. Heaters can pose burn risks to cats as they snuggle on them and pets are also susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning just like us humans. When the houses are all closed, make sure you have stickers on the doors to alert rescuers of animals in the home in case of a chimney fire or too hot of chestnut roasting.
Holidays mean merriment and decorations too! Not to gloom up the cheer but tinsel and yarn are major dangers especially to cats who love to play and ingest these things. This could mean major surgery and major health risks for a curious and playful cat. Too much holiday foods can be bad on digestive health and lead to stomach and intestinal disorders. I guess we better not forget PTSD for your pets seeing Santa blow into their house causing anxiety. In all seriousness though, major changes and celebrations can cause the house to be a bit different this time of year. Consider your pets’ needs prior to a major holiday bash so that they can join in or be in as much of their normal routine as you both feel comfortable with. Making holiday plans can include your furry family but sometimes having boarding arrangements in advance with make your bustling holiday season less chaotic.
Many great things can come with the changing of the seasons, if being home bound makes you seem more blue remember that this time of year might be your pets’ favorite since you can watch football or Hallmark movies on the couch together instead of spending hours away at baseball tournaments. Places may offer doggie daycare for indoor activities for your pet to get over their wintertime slump in activity or take them when you can outdoors. Just keep in mind that although they are always wearing a fur coat, feet and faces can be at risk for wind burn or frost bite. Acclimate your pet prior to them being out in the cold for long periods of time if they are routinely in a climate-controlled building for their health just as you would your own. Happy dropping temperatures to all!
