Our pets are vulnerable to extreme weather just like us! As the seasons change, so do the different needs and potential dangers for our furry friends. Knowing what to do to alter pet care routines between the searing heat of summer and frigid cold of winter is important to maintaining their comfort, keeping them safe, and having a happy healthy pet. This article will bring you seasonal ‘paw’ care tips, which include hydration, cooling methods, warming solutions and critical paw care you need to do in order to have a healthy, happy pet all year round.
Summer Care: Beating the Heat
You might say, summer brings a wealth of daylight activities outside but also the danger of heatstroke, dehydration and other problems related to heat for pets. Prevention and vigilance are key.
Hydration is Paramount
Fresh water: Provide a bowl of fresh, clean water for your pet indoors and outdoors. Try adding a few different water bowls around the house and yard.
Water on the Go: When out for a walk or day trip, bring along a portable water bottle and bowl for your pet. Don’t count on there being sources of water.
Hydrating Treats: Provide pet-safe ice cubes, frozen treats (such as diluted broth pops) or even wet food to enhance hydration.
Cooling Strategies
Stay Out of Peak Heat: Limit walks, exercise, and play in hotter hours of the day, such as early morning and late evening cooler times. Avoid midday sun entirely.
Shade and Shelter: Make it a point that your pet has access to shade, such as under a tree, awnings or a covered patio during the spring and summer when outside.
Cooling Products: Think about cooling mats, elevated beds that allow air flow and damp towels for your pet to lie on.
Never Leave a Pet in a Car: The inside of a car can become lethal to pets in just minutes, even if the outside temperature is not extreme. Do not ever leave your pet alone in a vehicle.
Grooming: A summer cut (for long-haired breeds) can help, but do not shave dogs to the skin; their fur acts as insulation against sunburn and heat.
Paw Protection
Hot Pavement: Pavement, black-top & sand can be too hot for your pet’s paw pads. Check the surface with the back of your hand; if it is too hot for you, then it is definitely too hot for your pet.
Paw Protection: Now’s the time to break out pet booties for walks on hot surfaces, or just stay off the pavement.
Pest Control
Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes: Parasites are more prevalent in warm weather. Make sure your dog or cat is on a flea, tick and heartworm product recommended by a qualified veterinarian in Dubai.
Winter Care: Staying Warm and Safe
Winter poses its own dangers, such as frostbite, hypothermia and risks from ice and de-icing chemicals.
Providing Warmth
Cold Weather Shelter: All pets belong inside during cold weather. If they need to be outside briefly, provide a warm, insulated shelter.
Warm Bedding – Use additional blankets or a heated pet bed in a draft-free space.
Coats/Sweaters: Dogs with short hair, puppies, senior dogs and ill pets; wearing a coat or sweater can really help when taking a walk.
Time Limit Outdoors: Cut short walks during extreme cold. Consider your pet’s comfort: If they’re shivering, it’s too cold.
Paw Protection
Ice and Snow: Ice wedging between paw pads may cause pain. Keep the hair cut between their toes to prevent this.
De-icing Chemicals: Salt and chemical de-icers placed on sidewalks can irritate or burn paw pads, and are also toxic if licked off the paws. If your dog is showing any signs of discomfort, consult a 24/7 veterinary clinic in Dubai.
Booties and Cleaning: Apply pet booties to keep paws safe from cold, ice and chemicals. After each walk, be sure to wipe your pooch’s paws down with a wet cloth to get rid of any remnants.
Hydration and Nutrition
Indoor Hydration: Despite winter conditions, pets still need plenty of water indoors — your space heater can be as dehydrating as it is cozy.
Calorie adjustment: Some very active outdoor dogs may require a small increase in calories to help maintain body temperature but most indoor pets will not. Consult your vet.
Antifreeze and Toxins
Antifreeze Risk: Antifreeze is extremely poisonous and may taste sweet to pets. Inspect your driveway for leaks, and keep all automotive fluids well out of reach.
Indoor Hazards: Beware of the winter-specific indoor pet hazards, including festive plants (poinsettias, mistletoe) and holiday decorations that can be ingested.`
General Seasonal Advice and Vigilance
“Whatever the season, it is really about continual monitoring and being responsive to the needs of your pet. Various breeds can also handle hot and cold temperatures differently — for example, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as pugs and bulldogs are very prone to overheating, while northern breeds like huskies are built for the cold but can still get into trouble in extremely frigid conditions.
“Monitoring your pet’s behavior for any changes is important. Lethargy, heavy panting, shivering, or changes in appetite are all symptoms of weather-related distress,” a vet from dubai informs. “If you have questions about what care is best for your individual pet during a particular season or if you’re unsure, a vet in dubai can guide you and give recommendations for their safety and comfort throughout the year.”
Conclusion
Caring for your pet with seasonal regard is one of the important obligations as a pet owner. These tips focus on both preventing dehydration in summer and the hypothermia chills of winter, so whether you’re out in nature or simply playing at home, these steps will help make your pet a little more comfortable. Being proactive and keeping an eye out for signs of distress, as well as calling the vet early on, will ensure your four-legged friend stays happy, safe and comfortable no matter what the weather!
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