Heating cats and dogs in the winter is one of the most prominent issues that has received widespread attention from lovers of these pets, based on the fact that the winter season brings with it extreme cold that would pose a danger to these creatures that may lead to death unless adequate care is provided for them.
When winter comes, you must provide your pets, especially cats and dogs, with a warm environment that protects them from the cold and its negative effects that may have on their health, by following a set of procedures.
What are the signs that cats and dogs are exposed to the cold? What are the harmful effects of cold on these organisms? What are the ways to heat homes? What clothes are appropriate for her in the winter? We will answer these questions and many others in the following lines. Follow along with us.
Signs of cats and dogs being exposed to cold:
At the beginning, we must point out that cats and dogs are creatures that prefer warm climates, and their exposure to cold may lead to the appearance of some symptoms, the most prominent of which we will mention below, which prove to us the importance of keeping cats and dogs warm in the winter:
Loss of appetite: It is possible to notice the desire of cats and dogs to eat foods when they are exposed to the cold.
The occurrence of eye inflammation as a result of the cold may lead to watering in the eyes of cats and dogs, which may develop into severe ulcers.
Presence of foamy saliva from the mouth.
Dry cough in the form of fits, accompanied by stretching of the neck and sometimes vomiting.
Frequent sneezing accompanied by a runny nose. It is worth noting that this sneezing may become more severe at night.
Laziness, lethargy, and inability to walk normally.
Hearing wheezing and noticing difficulty breathing.
The effect and harm of cold on cats and dogs:
The cold has a major impact on cats and dogs, as we may notice shivering and coldness in the extremities such as the feet and ears. It is possible to reach the stage of depression, low heart rate, and muscle stiffness, in addition to weak breathing. These are conditions that can lead to the loss of life. Cats and dogs unless treated in time.
Read also: Pet Care in Winter: Tips to Ensure Your Pet’s Health and Comfort During Cold Weather
How to warm kittens and dogs at home safely:
Dear reader, if you are a fan of raising cats and dogs in the winter, we will put in your hands a list that includes the most important things that must be taken into account in order to protect them from colds, and they are as follows:
Allocate warm places to sleep, as bedding is one of the important parts that keeps cats and dogs warm in the winter, and it must be raised several centimeters off the ground to avoid being exposed to air currents.
Use warm blankets or electric bedding designed for animals, and don’t forget an electric heating pad made with sensors that will protect your cat from burns and overheating.
Close windows and doors well to limit cold air leakage.
Avoid using heaters or heating devices that may cause burns. You must ensure that there is a good distance between the cat and dog bed and the heating device.
Avoid providing excessive food to cats and dogs in the winter, as the most important aspect is regular provision of appropriate food.
Do not cut your dog or cat’s hair during the winter because it is one of the most important sources that give them warmth in the winter.
Winter clothes for dogs and cats:
When talking about keeping cats and dogs warm in the winter, we must point out the importance of choosing comfortable and appropriate clothes for small animals or those with short fur, so we will show you below the most important clothes that we advise you to buy for these creatures:
Jackets: It is very necessary that skinny, short-haired, or older cats and dogs be provided with a T-shirt that gives them a distinctive look that protects them from the cold, but you must pay attention before purchasing it to the presence of an opening for a collar or an area for attaching a leash, and it must be easy to put on and take off. Without causing any discomfort to your dog or cat.
Coats that give your dog and cat more warmth during the winter, especially during rainy days. In order to give your pet a unique look, you must choose calm colors and an unconventional design.
A lock that provides the dog or cat’s feet with a lot of care, and also protects the dogs’ claws from snow, cold, dirt, chemicals, sharp tools, and other things that may cause them harm.
Read also: Bird species that migrate in winter: Discover the long paths and surprising adaptations
Protecting cats and dogs while walking in cold weather:
Use special shoes to protect the paws from snow or salt, as neglecting them may lead to frostbite.
Reduce walking time in harsh conditions while avoiding slippery areas. This can be replaced with indoor games and mental training.
Avoid taking it to areas contaminated with chemicals.
Wash the feet of these creatures to remove any stuck-on impurities, and dry them well afterward to prevent irritation.
Healthy nutrition for cats and dogs to support heating:
Providing energy-rich meals to support the natural heating process, which must be fat-free, in addition to giving them nutritional supplements and vitamins that will give more energy, such as coconut oil and fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Introducing complex carbohydrates into her diet, such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, supports her sustainable energy.
Make sure to provide warm water because this helps her drink more, and avoid cold water in the winter.
Frequently asked questions about keeping cats and dogs warm in winter:
How cold can cats and dogs tolerate?
When the temperature drops to between 15 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do cats need heating in the winter?
Yes, the cat needs heating during the winter.
Do dogs get cold in winter?
Yes, dogs feel cold in the winter.
How warm is cat fur?
The cat’s fur allows it to stay warm even at low temperatures.
Should cats be covered when sleeping?
Covering cats while sleeping is unnecessary and may sometimes be uncomfortable, because they need to move their bodies freely during sleep.
How do street cats survive in winter?
Most cats disappear when the weather gets cold, especially at night.
Do cats die from the cold?
Yes, cold and harsh weather conditions may lead to the death of cats, especially kittens.
How hot is too hot for cats and dogs?
The temperature ranges between 38.3 and 39.2 degrees Celsius.
How do I make sure my cat is warm in the winter?
You can do this by checking the temperature of her ears and nose and by her sleeping position.
At the conclusion of our talk about keeping cats and dogs warm in the winter, we conclude that they need more care during the cold days. It is very necessary to provide warmth for our pets to maintain their comfort and health in the winter, and to pay attention to all the details of their daily lives, such as special food, special clothes for them, and many other things. To get through the winter safely.
