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The season has shifted, and the cold air is settling in. While we instinctively reach for heavier coats and cozy socks, pet parents need to remember that our furry companions require special attention to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months.
We spoke with Dr. Alexandria Farris, an associate veterinarian at Southeast Community Animal Hospital in Greensboro, N.C., and a graduate of Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine, to gather essential cold-weather advice.
Home comfort and warmth are key. Dr. Farris emphasizes that the primary goal is to keep pets warm, whether they live indoors or outdoors. Even inside, pets are closer to the floor, where the temperature is often colder. Providing a blanket or two can make a significant difference in keeping them cozy.
For animals kept outside, ensuring they have proper shelter is non-negotiable. Crucially, caregivers must ensure that the pet’s water source remains fresh and unfrozen.
Dr. Farris noted that she doesn’t “frown upon getting those cute clothes,” such as winter jackets and booties for your pet. In fact, smaller animals with less body mass benefit from extra warmth provided by pet apparel.
Just like people, pets tend to slow down and become less active in the winter. Be mindful of your pet’s energy decline. As they become less active, it’s vital to watch how much they eat to prevent them from gaining extra “holiday pounds.”
Cold weather can be stressful, and simple precautions can protect your pet’s well-being. The best way to protect your companion is to ensure they are up to date with vaccinations and all other routine health exams. While there are no specific winter flu shots or COVID boosters for animals, maintaining their recommended vaccine schedule is paramount to health.
Remember, if a human in the house is sick, there is a greater chance your pet will contract the illness from you than the reverse. Take steps to protect your pet when you are under the weather.
If you have guests over, recognize that a stranger’s presence can cause stress for some animals. Be sure to provide your pet with a safe space to retreat from visitors, honoring their preference for solitude if they are not comfortable with crowds. Remember, your home is your pet’s home, not your guests’ home.
If the temperature is frigid outside, ensure your pets are kept warm and cozy to avoid the dangers of frostbite.
Taking a moment to adjust your pet care routine for the cold can ensure a stress-free and healthy winter for both you and your beloved companion.
Thank you, Dr. Farris, for your advice. Kelsey and Cricket, your pet mother has your cold weather care down and will ensure you have a great winter.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
