The winter is well and truly upon us and there are a few precautions we should think of taking.
For pets who might live outside - consider bringing them in but if that is not possible make sure they are extra bedding, covers over living quarters etc to ensure they are warm enough. Refresh water frequently to ensure it is not frozen and the same with food.
Reduce dog walk times and consider coats for them so they are not using their energy to keep warm.
Make use of enrichment activities for those pets with reduced exercise.
Older pets may be feeling the cold in the house so consider a jumper or fleece for inside the house.
Older pets may also be feeling stiff due to the cold and make need changes to bedding to support their physical body with more ease and assist getting up out of bed. Aromatouch diluted will be great to support their musculoskeletal system when applied topically appropriately diluted. If not already given add in 1000mg omega 3 fish oil per 10kg body weight.
Make sure they are visible with high viz collars/lights etc.
Consider keeping cats in now the days are shorter to keep safer from cars on dark streets.
Know the signs of hypothermia and be vigilant to it both during a walk and after.
Think of their paws on ice and snow or freezing rain - boots may be a sensible option as they are the most vulnerable part of their body and can become cracked and injured or start bleeding. Always wash them after a walk to remove mud, snow, ice and road salt that could irritate them or anything else that could be on their paws that they could ingest and therefore be poisonous whilst licking their paws clean.
Make sure collar and tags are up to date, consider a Tracker - I like Tractive - more dog go missing in winter months and especially be mindful of senior dogs who may have hearing or sight loss or cognitive dysfunction.
Don’t leave your pet in the car - apart from the theft risk they are also at risk of hypothermia there too.
Avoid anti-freeze products as this is incredibly dangerous to pets and can cause death so avoid your pets touching or licking it. If they do wash the area immediately and seek veterinary aid.
Pets may be drinking more as the central heating will cause dehydration so make sure water bowls are full and freely available.
Support their immune system with copaiba with the added benefit of it being great for their musculoskeletal health too. Internally for dogs and add a drop topically for cats and rabbits as they will groom it off.
For more tips on essential oils or to get them drop me a message. Have a senior pet or a pet with health needs? Why not book in for an animal aromatherapy consultation and get them optimised with essential oils and good nutrition.