8 tips to protect your pet from the cold

Keep your pet warm and protected from the harmful effects of cold and winter stress.

Winter can be difficult for pets, especially those living outdoors. The cold can cause health problems such as frostbite, joint pain and breathing difficulties if the necessary precautions are not taken. So it's crucial to protect your pet from freezing temperatures and look after its well-being during this time of year. Here are 8 simple tips and tricks to keep your pet healthy and happy during the winter months.

How to keep your pet warm and healthy this winter?

The importance of a balanced feeding routine for racehorses and dromedaries
Why feed supplements to racehorses and dromedaries?
When should you supplement your racehorses and dromedaries?
Use food supplements adapted to your pet's needs

Keep your pets sheltered

Don't leave your pets outside when the temperature drops. Keep them indoors with you and your family. Make sure they have a warm place to sleep, off the ground and away from drafts.

If you have a dog that spends most of the day outdoors, provide a dry shelter with a raised floor. It should be large enough to allow him to move around comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat.

Manage outdoor time wisely

Keep outings with your four-legged friend short. Even if their thick coats protect them from wind and weather, your pet may be sensitive to the cold. If you have a short-haired dog, dress him in appropriate clothing to help him stay warm and comfortable.

For walks, make sure you get home before it's too dark to see clearly, and make sure your pet is on a leash.

Take care of his paws and protect his paw pads

Before going out, apply a suitable balm to your pet's paws to create a barrier between his skin and snow or rainwater. Be aware that the de-icing salts used during the winter months to thaw sidewalks are irritating to the skin of dogs and cats. If ingested, they are toxic. You should wash your pet's paws after any outdoor walk where he may have come into contact with de-icing salt. Wipe his paws with a damp cloth before he licks them. You can also reapply balm to moisturize his paw pads.

Increase intervals between baths

Baths tend to dry out your dog's skin and cause discomfort. Don't do away with baths altogether, but reduce their frequency. Use a pet shampoo that's more moisturizing than average.

Don't overlook grooming

Keep your pet's coat regularly brushed and matted. It's not a good idea to wait until spring to do this: it will only be more difficult for you and more painful for your pet. Trim the hair from your pet's paws, too, to prevent salt and chemicals from sticking to them.

Manage your pet's food intake

During the winter months, your pet needs more energy to cope with the drop in temperature. Plan an extra portion of food to provide the necessary calories. However, be sure to check with your vet how much food you can add, especially if he's on a special diet.

Keep your pet well hydrated

Cold weather can reduce thirst in animals, which can lead to dehydration. Make sure his water bowl is always full of clean water. Avoid using metal bowls in winter, especially outdoors.

Use food supplements adapted to your pet's needs

If you give your pet a complete and balanced diet, he may not need any supplements. However, to boost his immune system and protect him against illnesses and discomforts linked to the effects of the cold, you can resort to food supplements. Always check with your vet before giving your pet any food supplements!

If you need to know more about the importance of

To maintain your pet's well-being and comfort in winter, it's important to provide a safe and healthy environment, a suitable diet and adequate physical activity. It's also important to provide regular veterinary care and ensure that the animal receives sufficient attention and affection.