Fall has officially begun this week, and with the change of seasons comes colder temperatures. The cold weather can be difficult for all of us, but it can be particularly difficult for senior pets.
Don’t forget this as the mercury drops, and be sure to use the following tips to warm up this winter for your senior pets:
- Take your older pets into the vet for a pre-winter tune-up. By making sure that they are in good health before the snow blows, you can ensure them the best possible winter.
- If your pet spends any significant time outdoors, talk to your vet about any concerns there may be. In general it is safest to keep pets indoors during the coldest parts of the year.
- Cold weather can make arthritic pets very stiff and sore. Talk with your pet’s doctor about whether they may benefit from any medications or treatments targeted at relieving pain for older pets. Be sure to make your arthritic patient’s environment as easy to navigate as possible. Ramps and/or steps may be helpful. Make sure to clear a pathway when snow is on the ground so that your pet does not have to navigate the drifts.
- Provide a warm, cushy place for your senior pet to lie down and rest. The cold, hard ground is not an ideal place for them to sleep.
- Be careful when it is icy or snowy out. Older pets may not move as quickly or be as flexible as their younger counterparts and injure themselves when it is slick outside.
- If your pet will tolerate wearing clothes, sweaters and boots can be a great way to help older animals with slower circulation stay warm this winter.
- Make sure to watch the scale! It is natural for pets who are less active to gain a few pounds during the winter months, but extra weight can be a huge burden for already arthritic joints.
It may be getting cooler out, but with a little thought you can be sure that your senior pet has a great winter season.