5 essential tips for caring for pets in winter

The expert explains how to care for pets in winter to ensure the health and well-being of the animals during the season

Winter is here and we need to be very careful ensure the health and well-being of pets in this time. Protection from the cold, hydration for drought and exercise are among the necessary precautions.

“In the South-East of Brazil, in particular, a neutrality of the El Niño and La Niña phenomena is expected, unlike the summer of 2023/24, which was strongly influenced by El Niño, with record temperatures. Therefore, the trend is for our part, a more traditional winter: cold, with dry weather and drought”, says the meteorologist of the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), Andrea Ramos.

Even though we won’t have very cold weather this winter, veterinarian and professor at the IBMR University Center, Isabella Morales, lists five essential precautions so that owners can pay attention to the comfort of their pets during the season. Look down:

Get dressed, can you?

“We know that dogs and cats feel good when dressed, but this is not natural for them, especially in short-haired breeds, which are not used to environments with lower temperatures,” explains the teacher.

According to Isabella, cats may not fit into clothes and may even hurt themselves trying to take them off. When choosing a winter look, opt for one that is not too tight, so as to make it difficult for the animal to move, and that does not lose accessories or threads.

Where to sleep?

To care for their pets in winter, owners must also provide them with a suitable place to sleep. “The ideal is to provide a covered environment, with a specific kennel for pets or a house so that they can protect themselves from low temperatures”, explains the specialist.

Food

In winter, pets may expend more calories to maintain body temperature, which means they need more energy through food. “But it is not advisable to increase the amount of food without talking to the vet, as there is a risk of making the animal overweight and obese,” warns Isabella. Ideally, a quality diet should be offered, with so-called premium or super premium rations.

Do I need to heat drinking water for my pet?

Water should always be available to the animals and at room temperature, but it is interesting to also offer wet foods, such as sachets. “They are rich in water and help prevent dehydration and are also a good source of energy,” notes the teacher. However, remember that this must be done based on the amount of food the animal already eats so as not to cause overweight.

Exercise practice

Pets, like humans, tend to reduce their activity time on colder days. However, the teacher warns that excursions should remain at times with milder temperatures. “Also, it is important to increase interaction within the house or apartment. Throwing a ball for the pet to catch and running around the property are good exercise options. Spend 10-15 minutes, in the morning and in the evening, to play with your friend”, advises Isabella.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.