Preparing Senior Pets for the Winter

Posted by headsupfortails on November 22nd, 2017

All-I-want-to-do-is-snuggle season is officially here and if you have a senior pet, he or she is feeling the cold a lot more than before. Unfortunately, as they age, our pets are likely to develop a host of issues including bone and joint pains and conditions like arthritis. They are not as strong as they used to be, and this is why you need to pay special attention to keeping them warm in the winter. Read on for a few ideas on how to do this.

Bundle them Up:  There are a host of options to choose from when it comes to dog jackets online and dog sweaters online. Choose from the range of winter clothing for dogs depending on the severity of the cold in your city. T-shirts are great for cool weather, for slightly colder climes, you should opt for jackets or sweaters. Make sure that you take into account the breed of dog you have as well. Breeds like St.Bernards and Huskies are naturally equipped to deal with much colder climates than the Indian winters. These breeds are originally from the Swiss Alps and Siberia (respectively) and may not need that sweater. Watch out for signals that they are feeling cold and dress them as necessary.

Beds: Get them a bed, preferably one that is designed for older pets. These are specially made to offer more support to ease the pain of their aching joints. They should also be low lying because senior pets have great difficulty climbing anything. Keep these beds away from any cold drafts and it is best if you place them in the most frequently used place in the house. Pets love to be around the family and feel secure with everyone around.

Bedtime Comforts: Ensure that your pet is warm and snuggled up by adding a blanket to his or her bed.  If you think it would be useful, you can also get bed warming pads for your pet. Some pets love to cuddle up with plush toys, if yours does, add a couple to your pet’s bed.

Diet: As a rule, senior pets prefer warm food. Their sense of smell also tends to deteriorate so rich broths and gravies are more aromatic and tempting to them. In the winter, pets tend to have a reduced water intake, so you should make an effort to keep them hydrated by including soups and broths in their daily diets.

Dry Skin, snout and paws: Winter tends to dry out your pet’s skin so you should be careful to use conditioner-based shampoos. Paw pads and snouts can often dry out to an extent that they crack. Dab on some snout and paw butter to keep those parts moisturised. The sun may not be on your side for bath day so make sure you have Plan B ready in the form of wipes or waterless shampoos. Never give your pet a bath if there is not enough sunshine to dry them up. Alternatively, you can take them to agrooming salon, where they have professional equipment to make sure your pet is completely dry after a bath.

Senior pets often do not realise the limitations that age has set on them. Their spirit remains excited, happy and ever loving. This is why you should remain vigilant and make it a point to provide them with extra attention and care. Thankfully, pet product giants have recognisedtheir needs and offer you a host of products to meet these needs. No matter what size or breed your pet is, you can choose from dog clothes for Labrador or extra large dog clothes for giant breeds.