If you’re finding our winter weather cold, that probably means your pets are too. This is particularly the case for older pets.
The winter season can be particularly challenging for your senior pet due to joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and sensitivity to cold. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cat or dog stays healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months in Brisbane.
Keep your pets inside – especially at night
Older pets often have a harder time regulating their body temperature, making them more susceptible to the cold. This is especially the case at night, so it’s important to provide cosy bedding in a warm spot away from cold floors and breezy windows. Providing a comfortable space where they can rest undisturbed will help them relax and feel snug throughout the winter months.
Provide supportive bedding
Arthritis can be aggravated by the cold, so investing in a supportive bed with memory foam or orthopaedic features can help alleviate discomfort. Additionally, consider using heat mats or warm objects placed under their bed to provide additional warmth.
Consider an extra layer for senior dogs
Dogs with short coats or thin fur may benefit from wearing dog jumpers or coats while outdoors. These clothing items can help insulate their bodies and prevent excessive heat loss, keeping them warm and comfortable.
Regularly groom your pet
Regular brushing and grooming are important during winter to prevent tangles in the fur of your senior pet. Tangled fur is less effective at insulating them from the cold, so keeping their coat clean and free from mats is crucial for their warmth and comfort.
Adjust their diet
During winter, senior pets have unique nutritional needs that should be taken into consideration. If your ageing dog or cat is overweight, they can benefit from a specially designed weight loss diet. This type of diet can help reduce pressure on their joints and improve symptoms of arthritis, allowing them to move with greater ease.
On the other hand, some older pets may struggle to maintain their weight during the colder months. In such cases, providing them with a slightly larger portion of food can help them maintain their proper weight and overall health.
Keep them moving
Exercise is also important for promoting good circulation, maintaining muscle tone, and supporting joint health during winter. For dogs, short, regular walks can go a long way in helping your ageing companion stay active and healthy. For cats, indoor activities like gentle play sessions or using interactive toys can keep them active.
Don’t forget about senior pet health checks!
With any animal over seven years old, we recommend 6-monthly health checks. These checks help to monitor their weight, dental health, and overall well-being throughout the winter season, as well as incorporating blood and urine tests to screen for things like diabetes, kidney or liver disease and tumours.
These check-ups will ensure that any potential health issues are caught early and that appropriate measures are taken to address them. Our vets can also provide specific advice about diet, exercise and anything else which will help your cat or dog to be more comfortable during these colder months.
Has it been a while since we’ve seen your senior pet? Schedule them for their check-up with our experienced vets to ensure they’re kept in their best health possible this winter. You can book online, call us on 07 3801 1744, or drop into our Loganholme vet clinic at 141 Bryants Road.
