How to Protect Your Pet’s Health in Cooler Weather

Summer is fading away, and autumn is close on the horizon. The days grow shorter, the weather cools, and we all unpack our favorite pumpkin-themed decor. But did you know that your pet might need a little extra care this time of year? Seasonal changes can cause a variety of health issues for our furry friends. It’s important to pay close attention to them during these transitional seasons, and make sure they get the care they need.

Courtesy of The Groomer’s Spotlight, here’s a look at a few of the most common cool-weather issues pets face, and how to handle them.

Aches and Pains

Just like humans, animals with chronic pain issues are prone to flair-ups as the weather gets colder. Many older pets have arthritis in one or more joints. When these areas become inflamed, it can have major impacts on your pal’s quality of life. Not only are they in pain, but it can also limit their mobility. Less movement can have a snowball effect on your pet’s condition, and leave them in even worse shape in the long run.

There are many ways you can help your pal manage their pain. Depending on their condition, you may be able to have your vet give you medication. You can also look into CBD oils and treats, which may reduce inflammation and inhibit the body’s pain receptors. Couple this with regular gentle exercises to keep your pal in good shape.

Staying Active

We all tend to exercise less in the winter. When it’s cold out, all we want to do is snuggle up inside under a blanket, and our pets are usually more than happy to join us there. However, exercise is so important for animals, and it’s vital that we find ways to keep them active throughout the colder months.

Commit yourself to taking regular walks, as long as the weather is safe. A nice long stroll around the neighborhood will help your pal work out excess energy, leaving them calmer and less destructive. It will also help keep their cardiac and digestive systems in good shape. As an added bonus, you get all these great benefits from regular walks, too.

You can still walk safely in very cold weather, but you should take some precautions. Get your pet some booties so they’re not putting their paws directly on the ice or snow, which can lead to frostbite. If your pet has a short or thin coat, a jacket can help them hold onto their body heat and prevent them from getting uncomfortably cold. This is all breed specific, however - some pets thrive in cold weather, and won’t need any extra layers to feel their best.

Grooming for Autumn

Finally, it’s important to pay close attention to your pet’s coat as the weather gets colder. Most animals will go through a shedding cycle during autumn, and they’ll need extra grooming as a result. Depending on your pet’s breed, you may need to brush them more frequently - at least once a week, but possibly every day while they’re going through their shed.

This is important for several reasons. Obviously, a shedding pet can make your home a mess, but skipping grooming can also lead to health issues. Loose fur doesn’t always autumn out of your pet’s coat, and when it stays it can wind up tangling into heavy, uncomfortable mats. If left unaddressed, these mats can wind up causing infections. Pay close attention and try to prevent mats from forming in the first place.

You should also continue to take regular trips to the groomer to keep them fresh and clean. When the weather turns cold, having a dog hair dryer on hand can be especially helpful. They’re a great way to safely dry your pet and prevent them from having to air dry and risk getting cold and uncomfortable. Just note dog hair dryers can be scary for smaller dogs so you’ll want to try a different method if your pup is small.

Your pet deserves to feel its best all year long, and you can help that happen. Give your furry friend the care it needs to thrive in cooler weather, and you’ll have a happy, healthy pet all year round.

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