Winter has officially set in! Brisk walks and snuggling up together are just a few things you and your beloved pet can look forward to during this special season. However, with this season also comes conditions and challenges to your pet’s health, which will require some thought and preparation. From keeping them active and entertained, dealing with flu-like symptoms, joint care and more, we hope that this article will equip you for a happy, healthy winter with your beloved pet.
How to tackle increased boredom in winter
Rainy weather can mean a lot more time spent indoors, which can lead to boredom and potentially destructive behaviour, such as scratching furniture and persistent howling. Keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated by playing indoor games with them, such as hide-and-seek, or teaching them new tricks. You can also rotate their toys, or consider buying new ones that will mentally enrich them. Treat-stuffing toys, such as the GiGwi Pull Me Out (Raccoon), KONG Classic or All For Paws Treat Hiders are ideal brain stimulators for your dog, and will keep them working to get the treats out of the toy. Interactive puzzle toys, like the GiGwi Hide 'n Seek (for dogs), is also great for stimulation, as it keeps your dog busy as they try and figure out how to get to the toys inside this box!
To keep your feline friend busy and entertained indoors during winter, consider wand toys, which allow for interactive play and bonding, or an indoor cat tree which gives them something to climb, jump on, scratch and explore. For added fun, sprinkle some catnip on their favourite toys and surfaces! After a fun play session, make sure that your pet has a soft, warm bed to sleep in (take a look our range of cosy beds and blankets for dogs and cats).
Taking care of your pet's thick winter coat
During winter, you might notice your pet has a thicker and heavier coat to adapt to colder temperatures, so make sure to continue to maintain their coat with our brushes for cats and dogs. A thicker coat can also make it difficult to detect dry, irritated skin, which many pets are prone to during colder weather. Topical products like Vondi’s Buchu Anti-Inflammatory Moisturising Oil (for dogs) or Kyron Pro-Soothe Cream (for cats & dogs) have powerful skin-calming ingredients which can help reduce the onset of dry skin, while oral supplements high in omega fatty acids, such as Efazol Plus (for dogs) or Kyron Mirra-Cote (for cats & dogs) can help reduce itchy skin.
Treating flu-like symptoms in pets
During the cold, wet season, your pet can experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, fever and/or lethargy. Consider Pegasus Snuffles Complex 12c (for cats), which is a homeopathic remedy that can relieve the symptoms and conditions associated with feline rhinotracheitis, or Pegasus Kennel Cough & Cold 30c (for dogs), which can help treat a fever and kennel cough. There are also vaccinations available which help protect against the sniffles so, as always, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and consider adding the extras for the season.
How to manage increased joint pain in winter
Aches and pains, creaky joints, stiffness – The cold and damp weather can make things a little difficult for pets with joint problems. Contributing factors to joint problems include age, breed, and excess weight – we advise a check-up with your vet so that you can make sure you are doing everything to minimise such pain. You can also look out for ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM, which help with inflammation, joint cushioning and pain reduction. These can be given as a supplement, such as the Herbal Pet Joint Formula (for dogs), GCS Joint Care Advanced Omega Chews (for dogs), Kyron MobiFlex (for cats and small dogs), or are often incorporated into good quality pet food such as Lokuno Veterinary Diet - Joint Care (for dogs).
Some pets tend to gain weight in winter
When it’s cold, wet and dark outside, behaviour and habits tend to change. For instance, in summer, there might be little to no hesitation to head outside and walk your dog, while in winter, it might take a lot more motivation to face the cold and go for walks. This lack of activity, coupled with overindulgence, are potential culprits for slower digestion and winter weight gain, which can put your pet at higher risk of potentially serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure and joint pain.
To manage your pet’s weight this winter, it’s important to maintain their daily exercise routine. If your dog or cat is used to their walks, consider adjusting your walk schedule to maximise their sun exposure. Warm jackets like the Dog’s Life Puffer Vest has a water-resistant exterior with a flannel fleece lining to help keep them cosy while out and about, while the stylish Olly & Max Hoodie has a leash opening at the base of the neck for easy leash attachment, and two rows of snap buttons to ensure a snuggly fit. However, try not to walk your pet in wet weather, and if they do get wet, dry them when you get home so that they don’t get cold.
Besides keeping up with daily exercise to curb weight gain, it’s also important to limit surplus calories. As a general rule, it’s best to avoid giving your pet unhealthy treats or table scraps – Check in on our nutrition guidelines, and stick to healthy pet treats.
Pop in to your local store or visit us online
If you have any questions, contact us on info@absolutepets.com or visit your nearest Absolute Pets store and we will gladly help. We wish you and your pet a cosy few months ahead!
Happy & Healthy
The Absolute Pets team