How to Prep Your Pet for the Cooler Months

 

Walk outside and you can sense that a change in seasons is on its way. After a hot summer, many people welcome fall with open arms. However, the cooler weather not only affects humans, but it also affects our furry four-legged friends. If you have a dog or cat, it’s important to consider any ways that you can help prepare them for the changes that come with fall. Below are some practical tips for keeping your pet safe, healthy, and happy through the next several months.

 

Take them to the vet.

 

First of all, it’s essential to take your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups. For younger pets, this usually means annually, but it’s best to take senior pets twice a year. So, if it’s been a while since your pet has been to the vet, that should be a top priority. 

 

With that said, even if your pet isn’t behind on their regular checkups, scheduling a visit before the weather turns can help to ensure that they are in good health. And your veterinarian might be able to offer you recommendations on how you can best take care of your pet during the colder months.

 

Help them with anxiety and pain. 

 

It’s not uncommon for dogs and cats to deal with anxiety and pain. Along with ensuring your pet is comfortable in their environment and routine, explore supplements that can help your pet. For example, CBD is being used by dog owners everywhere for its effectiveness in treating anxiety and pain, and it also has qualities that can reduce inflammation. 

 

Not all CBD oils are created equal, however, and it’s important to read reviews and factor in your dog’s size, the strength of the CBD, and costs. You might also want to narrow your options to natural CBD oil that is gluten- and dairy-free. Just remember to confirm with your vet that it’s okay to offer CBD to your pet prior to making a purchase. 

 

Keep their temperature regulated.

 

Depending on the type and breed of your pet, you may need to take special considerations when it comes to keeping their temperature regulated. For example, if you have a cat or short-haired dog, you will need to make sure they are not outside for too long in cold weather. On the other hand, Earth Bath notes dogs with longer fur can spend more time outside because they are naturally protected from lower temperatures; nonetheless, it’s still important to limit their time spent in cold weather.

 

Take advantage of sunlight.

 

One way to ensure that you get adequate time outdoors with your pet is to go outside when the sun is shining. During fall and winter, late mornings and early afternoons are great times for outdoor playtime and walks. Not only are these the warmest times of day, but the sunlight will provide both you and your pet with vitamin D, which Antranik Kizirian explains comes with a slew of health benefits. When it gets to be too cold for longer bouts of outdoor activity, doggie daycare can be a great solution to keeping your dog active, entertained and socialized. At Four Leaf K9, you’ll not only have the chance to keep your dog moving, but they also provide a learning program, which can help keep your pup’s obedience training sharp. 

 

Make sure they have a warm place to sleep. 

 

Finally, you want to make sure that your pet can sleep comfortably, both at night and during the day. Rather than relegating them to a cold floor, such as tile or concrete, make sure they have a quality bed that helps keep them warm, and sit their resting spot up on carpet or a rug if possible. A good elevated bed will help to keep your pet above uncarpeted floors, and a heated bed will help them feel warm and snug on any floor. Also, adding blankets in your pet’s bed can increase their comfort and help them rest like they need to, or you can create your own snuggle bed for your beloved pup.

 

With fall already here, it’s essential to prepare your pet for the cooler weather. Be sure to take them in for a checkup at their veterinarian, and look into supplements like CBD oil to help with any anxiety and pain they may be experiencing. Lastly, be conscious of their body temperature, spend time outside when it’s sunny, and ensure that they are warm when they sleep.