HEALTH & WELLNESS
CANINES
It ’ s hard to witness change of seasons here . The prolonged summer brings autumn for a very short period and before you know it , winter arrives . It barely takes time and effort to prepare your pet for different seasons . Breeds such as English Bull Dog , Pomeranian , Bull Terrier and Staffordshire by nature are not meant to live under cold climate as opposed to Huskies who are wrapped with extra fur .
Do Provide Proper Shelter
The most comfortable option during extremely cold or windy nights is to allow the pet to sleep indoors in a warm area . If your dog prefers its kennel , you can either place a doghouse inside it or cover the roof with a waterproof tarpaulin or warm fabric . In apartments , the floors can become very cold when not carpeted , so make sure the air conditioner isn ’ t switched on at all times so the home can maintain a comfortable temperature .
Note : pets like to laze around on the floor a bit more during the winters , so the floors need to be kept at a normal temperature .
Brush Brush Brush !
Routine grooming is important . Usual brushing keeps the dog ’ s coat limber and all set for the cold . Nevertheless , the pet may not enjoy baths very often this season , but baths are important . Just dry the coat of your pooch thoroughly before allowing it outside . People aren ’ t the only ones who put on weight from the New Year and festive parties . While some say dogs lose weight during winters and should be fed more to keep warm , others insist that the four legged gain weight , making exercise compulsory because of decreased activity . However , it is always better to consult your vet before making any decisions .
FELINES
Indoor “ Tent ” Setup
This works for both young kittens that are learning their surroundings and older cats that have spent quite some time with you . Given the inquisitive and curious nature of our feline friends , an indoor tent might just be something that is needed to cheer them up . Fortunately , cats are not able to differentiate between a real tent and a set-up one ; therefore , you can use an old blanket put up by poles or rods , whichever you can find easily at home , with some more blankets functioning like sleeping bags . This successfully mimics the real camp experience .
Windows And Draughts
You can save quite a bit of money on the heating by sealing your windows and fixing the draughts well in advance before the winter starts . Wellsealed windows are more likely to attract cats that enjoy sitting on the windowsill and looking outside , or shall we say bird watch !
Old Coats And Blankets
This one is a useful trick to keep your cats warm when the cold sets in . Got old coats or blankets you no longer use ? Wash them thoroughly and place them in locations around the house your cat likes ; these will serve as their personal , warm and cosy “ nests ” where they can rest and warm themselves .
The saying that cats do not feel cold because they have the fur to keep them warm is a misconception . Despite the fur , they are still vulnerable to the cold weather and must be protected . Skeptical ? Just run your hand over your cat ’ s back and you will know how cold it is . Indoor cats are not exposed to sunlight , so their bodies are unable to track seasonal changes and lead to regular shedding of fur all year round . This can be reduced by giving your cat a good diet , habitual exercise and appropriate grooming . Note : shedding is a part of the natural hair cycle for cats .
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