Protect your animals from the cold

Dogs and cats can suffer, like their owners, from the cold. 30millionsdamis.fr gives you some tips to help our pets better protect themselves from low temperatures.

While animals are naturally better equipped than their owners to cope with inclement weather, freezing temperatures can affect their well-being. This is all the more essential if the animal goes outside frequently and there is a risk of frostbite on the extremities – legs, ears – or hypothermia. Be careful, this can have serious consequences and lead to veterinary emergencies … Not to be taken lightly!

Outside

Any animal living permanently outdoors must have shelter to protect themselves from wind, snow or rain. Another very important point: food rations must be increased daily by 20% when temperatures become negative and the kennels must be fitted with a ground sheet for better insulation.

For equines, pay particular attention to the drinking trough, which can sometimes be covered with ice … and which must therefore be broken at least twice a day. On the ground, dispose of sawdust or sand, this absorbs moisture … and prevents the horses from slipping!

If your cat spends a good part of the day outside, he will quickly come back to get warm. As far as possible, provide permanent access to the interior, for example through a cat flap. May worried owners be reassured: a cat will always seek shelter when it cannot return.

During walks – the duration of which will be shortened in very cold weather – provide clothing for small dogs or those with very short and / or fine hair. Know that there are in specialized stores glasses for animals transported on two wheels. Slippers are also recommended because they not only protect the pads from freezing, but also from salt spread on sidewalks in winter. You can also dry and clean the ends of the paws when entering to avoid irritation because the salt is very aggressive.
For horses, specific blankets are particularly useful.

At home

Heating the home can be a factor in dehydration because it makes the air drier. Remember to fill a bowl with fresh water regularly, as both dogs and cats tend to drink more during this time. Indoor animals are not affected by increased food rations: they exercise less and gain weight easily.

Don't over-groom your pet during this time. Let its fur live, its winter hairs grow … and protect it effectively. A healthy animal regulates its internal temperature on its own. Animals can suffer from rheumatism, the pain of which is accentuated by cold and humidity. For example, you can place the basket near a radiator, and preferably away from drafts, such as near windows or doors. The advice is the same for elderly or convalescent animals: more fragile, they need more supervision.